Scheuer: Climate Targets Can Only Be Achieved By Cycling

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

For Federal Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer, the climate protection goals can only be achieved with heavy cycling. That is why the CSU politician wants to better network him with other means of transport.

The CSU politician said in an interview with the dpa news agency that he firmly believes that climate targets can only be achieved "if we have a lot of bicycle traffic and Germany becomes a bicycle country". There is more money than ever for cycling, 1.45 billion by 2023.

spoods.de

The federal government is not responsible for the construction of cycle paths in cities and municipalities, said Scheuer. "But I am in good spirits, with my new alliance for modern mobility, that the municipalities and the federal states will report projects to us where we can also support vigorously and the cycle path network in Germany is improved and safer."

358 cycling died by September

The minister emphasized that it was also about better protection for cyclists. He referred to changes in the road traffic regulations. Accordingly, there should be more space and more rights for cyclists, as well as stricter rules for cars. For example, fines for parking in the "second row", on sidewalks and cycle paths are to increase. In addition, there will be entire zones in addition to bicycle roads in the future - a maximum speed limit of 30 is generally permitted there, and bicycle traffic must neither be endangered nor hindered. When turning right, there should be a green arrow that only applies to cyclists.

Cyclists often live dangerously on German roads. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 358 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents from January to September 2019. That was 3 more than in the same period last year - with fewer fatalities overall in accidents.

"The situation in the cities has become more stressful, especially for the weaker road users," said Scheuer. “Thank God very, very many have already switched to bicycles. But for more to change, a different traffic planning is needed, the different modes of transport in the traffic area need to be separated.”The Ministry has various funding projects for this. "But it has to be implemented on site."

ADFC sees tailwind for the bike

Scheuer also wants to better network cycling with other modes of transport. The railway had already announced that it should be easier for railway customers to take their bike with them in the future. It is about "thinking across all modes of transport," said the minister. At a train station there must be park + ride spaces as well as park + bike spaces. “That will be the future.” Up until now, the separation of the different modes of transport prevented people from switching from cars to bicycles.

The General German Bicycle Club spoke of a "huge opportunity" for the congested cities. "For the first time in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany there is a noticeable political tailwind for the bicycle - from the conservative camp," said Federal Managing Director Burkhard Stork. From 2020, record federal funds will be available from the climate package for four years for “premium cycle paths” all over the country. There is a great social openness to attractive alternatives to the car.

Municipalities are challenged

“From 2020, there must really be an end to the alibi infrastructure and fearful cycling on the street,” said Stork. "The framework conditions are now there to create more livable cities and to invite everyone to cycle through quality cycle paths, spacious bicycle parking garages and safe crossings."

Now the municipalities are called upon. “You now have to make network plans for premium cycling so that you can apply for and block the federal funds as soon as the administrative agreement is in place. It would be a shame to let this chance at a bicycle country pass by. (Dpa)