Lübeck shocks: Linden Teller is Germany's most dangerous roundabout!

Lübeck shocks: Linden Teller is Germany's most dangerous roundabout!

In Lübeck, a picturesque city in northern Germany, the Lindenplatte, a roundabout on Lindenplatz, is causing quite a stir. The reason? It is considered the most dangerous roundabout in the country. Loud t-online.de No fewer than 78 accidents with injuries were registered between 2021 and 2023. What's particularly alarming is that 49 of these incidents involved bicycles, making the situation increasingly risky for cyclists.

But what makes the linden plate so dangerous? The roundabout has two lanes for vehicles and trucks as well as multiple entrances and exits, which can pose a significant challenge for road users. Cyclists have to get in between the moving cars and trucks – not an easy task. Maik Seidel, spokesman for the Lübeck police, calls the sharing of traffic space by drivers and cyclists problematic. Despite a protective lane for cyclists, many drivers ignore the solid line and thereby endanger safety.

High accident rates and need for improvement

A look at further data shows that Lübeck does not do particularly well in a nationwide comparison: In addition to the Lindenplatte, Ziegelteller in the west of Lübeck and Berliner Platz in the south are also among the five most dangerous intersections in Germany. Most accidents in Lindenplatte are due to drivers ignoring traffic rules. Experts warn that larger roundabouts tend to be more dangerous than smaller ones. Historically, many of these sprawling traffic circles, which date back to the 1950s and 1960s, were built at a time when there were only a fraction of cars on the roads.

Lübeck is already taking measures to increase security. For example, new rules for turning vehicles have been introduced, and the city plans to ease the burden on bicycle traffic by opening the Stadtgrabenbrücke in the spring. However, critics note that a marked cycle lane on the Lindenplatte is essential to improve safety for cyclists.

Traffic situation in Schleswig-Holstein

A further look at the traffic situation in Schleswig-Holstein reveals that the overall number of accidents has increased by 8.2 percent compared to 2020, while the number of traffic fatalities has been reduced. There were 11 pedestrian road deaths in 2023, highlighting the urgency of a safe transportation system. The investment requirement in road construction amounts to several billion euros, while projects such as the Fehmarnbelt Tunnel and the Rader High Bridge are under construction.

In summary, both the Lindenplatte and other critical points in the road traffic of Lübeck and surrounding cities require urgent attention to ensure the safety of all road users. It remains to be hoped that those responsible will quickly take appropriate measures to further minimize the risk of accidents.