Cyclists in Munich are frustrated: cycle paths that are too narrow and dangerous cars!

Cyclists in Munich are frustrated: cycle paths that are too narrow and dangerous cars!

There is a sobering mood among cyclists in Munich. When presenting the ADFC bicycle climate tests 2024 Eva Mahling, the Bavarian state chairwoman of the ADFC, expressed clear criticism. This year's survey once again showed that the situation for cyclists in Bavaria has hardly improved, despite efforts in recent years. While 213,000 participants shared their impressions and experiences, the feedback for the cycling infrastructure is anything but positive.

A central problem is the cycle paths that are too narrow and often blocked by parking, which severely impair cyclists' sense of safety. What is alarming is that 60 to 70 percent of drivers do not maintain the necessary distance when overtaking. Mahling is therefore calling on the state government to take urgent measures to improve cycle paths and road safety. The inadequate control of incorrectly parked cars on cycle paths and the limited number of bicycles on public transport were also rated at only 4.7 - Bavaria is doing particularly badly here.

Stagnation despite positive aspects

Despite the negative feedback, there are also positive aspects to report. Compared to the national average, the cleaning of cycle paths, winter service and the rather rare bicycle thefts compare favorably. With a grade of 3.89, Munich ranks fifth among cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants, while Erlangen received the best grade among 200,000 residents with 3.13. However, results in Munich have been stagnating for several years, which is putting the city under planning pressure.

Another point of criticism is the investments in areas that cyclists consider to be less relevant. Respondents urgently wanted wide cycle paths and better options for taking bicycles on public transport. After all, the cyclists expect that their voices will be heard, not only when the results are presented this spring, but also in the future when the next one takes place on September 1st Bicycle climate test starts. A lot of feedback can once again be expected here, which should serve as a valuable basis for those responsible.

A look into the future

The survey, which is now being carried out for the eleventh time, should be no exception. Cyclists can fill their city until the end of November 2024 and thus also have a say in future planning. The large number of participants, which amounted to around 245,000 in the last survey, makes the relevance of the test for transport policy clear. After all, it is nothing less than one of the largest cycling satisfaction surveys in the world. In the coming months, it is to be hoped that politicians will take the results seriously and initiate the necessary changes.

The residents of Munich know: Cycling should be safe and enjoyable! This is not only due to the cyclists themselves, but also to a strong political will to improve the infrastructure. Now is the time to advocate for change!