The general delight at Münster’s return to the top spot as the most bicycle-friendly city in the ADFC Cycling Climate Test is understandable and is shared by Volt.
However, Helene Goldbeck, spokesperson of the Volt council group, points out:
“The fact that we come top with a grade of just 3.04 shows how much still needs to be done in Germany before we can measure ourselves against Copenhagen or Utrecht in a European comparison.”
Sebastian Kappen, cycling policy spokesperson, adds:
“What stands out about Münster’s cycling climate is that many of the things that matter to cyclists are not well implemented, and Münster does not score better than 3.4 in any comfort category. Clear, wide and smooth cycle paths? Still nowhere to be seen. Potential for conflict with motor vehicles and frustrating traffic light phasing? On every corner! We are striving for walking, cycling and public transport to be given greater priority over motor traffic, especially in the city centre! There are numerous ways in which we can improve the quality of cycling in the city – footrests at traffic lights or the creation of genuine cycle streets parallel to the main roads, as we are now doing on Schillerstraße. More Leezenflow systems would also make for a more relaxed ride on the Promenade and the cycle routes (Velorouten). The best part? All of these measures can be implemented with little effort and at low cost, and most of them have already been approved!”
In addition to the infrastructure projects, the reallocation of road space will therefore also play a central role in future. Simply implementing measures that have already been approved but are still outstanding, such as lifting the compulsory use of cycle paths and the 3,000 cycle parking spaces programme, would bring about a noticeable improvement in the short term. The coalition has already set a great deal in motion since 2020 – now it is time for these decisions to make a real difference for citizens.
Alongside the infrastructure improvements, however, the safety of cyclists must also be addressed. From bicycle theft to illegal parking, there is potential to make consistent improvements to the current situation.
Improving the cycling climate in the long term requires not only the political will to act but also broad acceptance. And not only in Münster, but as widely as possible.
