Safety for cyclists in Bad Schwartau: Expansion is causing trouble

Safety for cyclists in Bad Schwartau: Expansion is causing trouble

The current status of cycling is being discussed in Bad Schwartau. The situation for cyclists is anything but ideal. Many have to drive on the road or share paths with pedestrians, compromising safety and comfort. A traffic planner even describes the situation at Tremskamp as “unsustainable and life-threatening”. Despite a decision to expand a cycle path made in 2018, little has happened. Only a 200 meter long section is now to be planned, which could improve the existing route. This section will be created on the opposite side of the road so that cyclists will have to reach fewer dangerous intersections.

But the critics are numerous. Reimer Fuhrmann, the former city representative and bicycle commissioner, calls the political decision “sheer nonsense”. Gerald Tretow from the ADFC (General German Bicycle Club) describes the project as a “Schildbürger prank” and questions whether 200 meters of cycle path really meets the requirements of a continuous cycle path. In addition, cyclists would have to cross the busy Tremskamp main road twice, which only increases the safety problem. Martin Brüning from the Lübeck ADFC sees this as a possible violation of road traffic regulations.

A cycle highway for the future

Another point in the discussion is the planned cycle highway (RSW) from Bad Schwartau via Lübeck to Groß Grönau. With a length of around 15 kilometers, this cycle highway is intended to offer a safe and comfortable connection for cyclists. The vision envisages a four meter wide asphalt path without cars, pedestrians or traffic lights. According to the ADFC, such a project could shift 35 million passenger kilometers to bicycles every year. The costs for the cycle highway are estimated at at least 15 million euros.

The benefits would be high: a reduction in health and care costs could amount to 19.3 million euros annually. In addition, increased use of bicycles would mean that fewer subsidies for bicycle transport would be required. According to forecasts, the project could pay for itself economically after just 12 years. In addition to the health aspects, the quality of life of citizens could also increase. The potential for everyday cycling is nothing short of overwhelming.

Criticism and demands

But while the plans for the cycle highway are already in the drawer, the expansion of the immediately needed cycle path on Tremskamp is falling by the wayside. The ADFC is therefore calling for a continuous cycle path from Cleverbrücker Straße to the entrance to Lübeck in order to meet the needs of cyclists. The current cycle path ends after just 50 meters at Cleverbrücker Straße and contributes to the insecurity of cyclists who are unfamiliar with the area and who often find themselves in a dangerous situation.

The entire discussion about cycling in Bad Schwartau makes it clear: There is still a lot of work ahead of us to enable safe and pleasant use of bicycles in everyday life. Progress such as the planned cycle highway is important, but the existing problems at key points such as Tremskamp cannot be ignored.