Germany on the bike path: tripling of cycling by 2035!

Germany on the bike path: tripling of cycling by 2035!

Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland - The discussion about cycling in Germany has won a journey with a recent study by the Fraunhofer Institute. According to the results, bicycle traffic could reach France's proven bicycle culture by 2035 and triple. The ADFC bicycle club presented this study in Berlin and sees great potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions. If the cycling share doubles, up to 19 million tons of CO2 equivalents could be saved annually, which makes environmentalists cheer. Currently, the cycling share of up to 30 kilometers in length is only 13 %, but could increase up to 45 % if the correct measures are taken.

The need for a comprehensive cycle path infrastructure has already been emphasized by many experts. In order to increase the appreciation of the bicycle in society and at the same time to promote climate -friendly traffic, improvements in the cycling infrastructure and a networked system with bus and train are essential. ADFC calls for areas to plan and create good interfaces. The study sees the greatest potential in regiopoles, where even a doubling of the cycling share of 63 % is possible.

The study results in numbers

• The cycling share could increase from 13 % to 45 %.
• annual savings of 19 million tons of CO2 equivalents are possible.
• traffic emissions in the near area could be reduced by 34 %.

But not only the numbers speak for themselves. The general mood around cycling should also not be underestimated. The ADFC emphasizes that the current traffic policy is not sufficient to achieve the desired doubling; By 2035, only an increase to 15 % will be forecast. The times of the half -hearted measures are over; It needs courage and determination of political decision -makers to create the necessary infrastructure.

To support cycling, the ADFC has developed a national bicycle traffic plan, which, as already discussed, is to continue to be converted into an "action plan for the bicycleland plus". The goal: By 2035, a complete network of cycle paths is to be built throughout Germany. The usual traffic forecast, which often underestimates bicycle traffic, has to be covered in order to also take into account the soft factors.

Especially in Hesse, where the bicycle infrastructure can still be expanded, it remains to be seen how quickly perspectives and implementations are adjusted in local politics. Experts agree: there is something.

summarized can be said that the results of the ADFC study and the recommendations that occur should be observed urgently. One day the dream of “bicycle country” could become a reality if everyone pulls together. The challenges are great, but the potential is the same - and this is not only a profit for the environment, but also for the quality of life of many people.

For further information and detailed insights into the study and its results, learn more from Spiegel [ADFC] (https://www.adfc.de/pressemitteilung/studie-des-fraunhofer-isi-deutschland-koenne- bike-bike-bike-bike).