Baunatal celebrates its fourth triumph in the bicycle climate test – grade 2.2!

Baunatal celebrates its fourth triumph in the bicycle climate test – grade 2.2!

Baunatal shows how cycling in the city works properly! According to the latest results of the ADFC bicycle climate test, the city has now taken first place in the category of cities with 20,000 to 50,000 inhabitants for the fourth time in a row. This year, Baunatal received a grade of 2.2, which represents a small improvement compared to the previous year. The award was ceremoniously presented on June 17, 2025 in Berlin, where First City Councilor Daniel Jung and Hartmut Wicke, the bicycle traffic representative, accepted the award. According to nh24.de, the result shows that Baunatal is on the right track when it comes to cyclist satisfaction.

The bicycle climate test, which is carried out every two years, is considered an important barometer for cyclist satisfaction. In 2024, over 180,000 participants in 1,148 cities took part in the survey - a new record!

Excellent categories and potential for improvement

Particularly noteworthy are Baunatal's first places in seven categories of the survey. The accessibility of the city center by bicycle was rated 1.7, the feeling of safety on the cycle paths was 1.8 and the advertising for cycling was also positively highlighted with 1.9. The fast ride on cycle paths received a grade of 2.0, while the winter service on cycle paths failed to achieve a score of 2.2. However, one downside remains: Dealing with illegal parking on cycle paths was only rated 4.0, which is the worst grade. At this point there is a definite need for action to further improve the cycling infrastructure.

But the commitment to cycling in Baunatal goes far beyond this award. The city has made it its mission to actively support cyclists and continually expand the infrastructure. The focus is on both daily needs and leisure users. A central measure is the new cycle path along the L 3473, which is intended to create an important connection in the regional network. In addition, the R 1 long-distance cycle path in the city will be redesigned to increase both safety and comfort.

Cycling promotion and initiatives

The city is also planning to develop new bicycle streets, such as Zwehrener Weg, where more space will be given to bicycle traffic. A pothole initiative is intended to improve the quality of cycle paths and thus increase the safety and attractiveness of cycling. The improvement of the cycle paths is accompanied by campaigns that are intended to increase awareness of cycling in everyday life, such as “FuldaRadeln”.

The city’s commitment to employer mobility is also important. Providing employees with their own bicycle box promotes sustainable commutes and shows that Baunatal actively and effectively promotes cycling. “Ambitious promotion of cycling is also possible in medium-sized centers,” states fahrradklima-test.adfc.de.

The city has already achieved a lot through the cycling project group, and the positive development will continue in the future. “We are proud of this award, but we are not resting on our laurels,” emphasizes cycling representative Hartmut Wicke. It remains to be seen how Baunatal will develop in the coming years, but the course for a bike-friendly future has already been set.

For further information about the progress in cycling and the measures that Baunatal is planning, it is worth taking a look at BMV.de.