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Biking through the heart of Düsseldorf just got safer. To boost safety and comfort for cyclists on this busy cycling route, the city is introducing protected bike lanes (PBLs) where they're practical. Jochen Kral, the Mobility Commissioner, emphasizes that "it's all about making the city more bike-friendly, enhancing safety, and providing a cozy riding experience for our cyclists." This decision comes after a tragic incident in October 2021 where a cyclist lost their life in a traffic accident on Haroldstraße.
The Game Changer: Protected Bike Lane on Haroldstraße
The city's revised plan includes a protected bike lane on Haroldstraße, stretching from Kasernenstraße to Poststraße. This stretch will boast a 2-meter-wide bike lane with a 0.5-meter safety buffer from motor traffic, ensuring cyclists a dedicated, protected space. Orcas and Flex-Poller barriers will be deployed to further safeguard cyclists.
Given the poor condition of the road surface, particularly where the bike lane runs, the entire section will undergo resurfacing. The worn-out intersections with Schwanenmarkt will also receive some TLC, as previous road markings couldn't be fully erased, precluding further overmarking.
A Nod to the South
The southern side of Haroldstraße will also be resurfaced, paving the way for the new bike lane's extension, which will connect to the existing path. To accommodate this, existing traffic lanes will be narrowed, yet total traffic capacity will remain unchanged. Public transport will benefit from a 3.25-meter-wide lane, while the second lane will be a minimum of 2.75 meters wide. Installing a PBL on this stretch is not possible due to the need for a 2-meter clearance for winter maintenance vehicles, as the present road widths aren't sufficient.
Protected bike lanes, like those to be introduced in Düsseldorf, offer substantial advantages in improving safety and comfort for cyclists, according to urban planning and transportation studies. They provide a physically separate space from motor vehicle traffic, reducing collision risks, illegal parking, and accidents. Furthermore, they improve visibility at intersections, reduce traffic speeds, and contribute to a safer environment for all road users. Best of all, dedicated bike lanes make cycling a more enjoyable, less stressful experience, encouraging more people to opt for two wheels over four. Cities like New York and Philadelphia are embracing these benefits, with increased ridership and growing support for safer infrastructure.
Enhanced Safety Measures: With the protected bike lane extension on Haroldstraße, the city aims to bolster safety for cyclists by providing a dedicated and secure space for them, especially on the unfortunate stretch where the tragic incident occurred last October.
Practical Financial Investments: Recognizing the significant advantages protected bike lanes bring in enhancing the safety and comfort of cyclists, the city's financial resources will be allocated to projects such as resurfacing roads, installing barriers, and adapting traffic patterns to ensure a safer and more enjoyable cycling experience for all.
