New cycle path network in the old district of Hofgeismar: Efficient signage is coming!

New cycle path network in the old district of Hofgeismar: Efficient signage is coming!

Something is happening for cyclists in the old district of Hofgeismar! The installation of new signage on cycle paths begins immediately, which is taking place under the leadership of the Regional Development Service Center of the Kassel district. The aim of this measure is to improve the cycling infrastructure in the region and align it with uniform national standards. The project is expected to run over a period of three months and has the clear goal of creating a uniform, clear and user-friendly guidance system for cyclists. “The new signage will not only improve orientation in the cycle path network, but will also help to sustainably promote cycling in the region,” explains the project manager. The costs amount to around 243,000 euros, 75 percent of which comes from funding from the state of Hesse. However, there may be minor restrictions during assembly, for which the municipalities and the Kassel district ask for your understanding.

Promoting cycling in Kassel

But it's not just in the old district of Hofgeismar that people are pedaling hard. An extensive cycling program is also being implemented in Kassel. Head of the traffic department Dirk Stochla presented the “Building Block for the Future – Cycling” program, which includes 86 projects on 79 kilometers of Kassel’s road network. What’s exciting is that more than half of these projects are expected to be realized in the coming years. The city is investing an impressive 66 million euros here, including funding, to strengthen cycling. The “City of Kassel 2030 Cycling Concept” adopted last year ensures that cycling is now a priority when planning transport projects.

1. Wichtige Projekte in Kassel:
2. Fahrradstraßen Goethestraße und Schillerstraße
3. Bürgermeister-Brunner-Straße
4. Frasenweg
5. Druseltalstraße

The list of projects is updated annually and is created in close collaboration with interested groups such as the Radentscheid initiative. The implementation is based on the resolutions of the city council. By the way: Some of the projects are being tackled as part of larger construction projects, while others are aimed purely at cycling.

Nationwide support for cycling projects

These developments in Hesse are not alone. At the federal level, the special financial aid program “City and Country” was launched, which has enabled states and municipalities to apply for federal funding for cycling infrastructure projects since 2021. Around 1.9 billion euros will be available for this by 2030. Over 3,000 measures have already been approved nationwide. The aim of this program is to shift transport to bicycles, especially in rural areas. Funding includes, among other things, the construction, conversion and expansion of cycling networks as well as the creation of cycle paths and parking facilities.

The administration transfers responsibility to the states for the fair distribution of funds between urban and rural regions. There is also a special focus on financially weak communities, which can receive up to 90 percent of the costs reimbursed.

All of these measures have set the course for a better and safer cycling infrastructure in Hesse. For cyclists this means: no more excuses, just get on your bike and enjoy!