Tübingen relies on cycling: new routes and safe parking spaces!

Tübingen relies on cycling: new routes and safe parking spaces!

In Tübingen, a city in Baden-Württemberg, cycling is extensively promoted through a number of measures. The local council unanimously approved this on January 25, 2024 Cycling concept 2030 adopted, which shows a strong commitment to environmentally friendly mobility. City planner Katrin Korth emphasizes the need for a consistent cycling infrastructure in order to achieve this goal.

The concept envisages the development of a complete and systematic cycle path network that includes both priority cycle routes and supplementary routes. Needs-based standards for the width, quality and equipment of the cycling infrastructure are set, based on the latest scientific findings and relevant guidelines. The focus is particularly on efficient cycle priority routes to support commuters as well as children and young people on their way to school.

New infrastructure for cyclists

A prominent element of this plan is the creation of a new bike station at the train station, which includes 1,100 mostly free parking spaces, a bike repair shop and washing station. This initiative is crucial to further popularize cycling as a means of transport.

In addition, the city has invested in three new cycle bridges that are heated in frosty conditions, which in particular reduces the risk of slippery accidents. The “Blue Ribbon”, a network of four-meter-wide, blue-painted cycle paths, is also being implemented in the city and is intended to make cycling even safer and more attractive.

Environmentally friendly innovations

Promoting cycling should not only improve the traffic situation, but also help reduce emissions. However, the production of bicycles and e-bikes is not without its problems, especially because of the poor environmental impact of materials such as aluminum, steel and lithium-ion batteries. However, French companies have begun to develop environmentally friendly alternatives: Félix Hébert produces bicycle frames made of bamboo and plant fibers, Doctibike in Lyon repairs defective batteries, and Upway in Paris sells upcycled e-bikes with repaired batteries, which are also available in Germany.

Max Riese, a founder of a start-up, is working at the same time on researching cycle paths and creating new routes and tours. A particularly remarkable route is the 560 kilometer long “Wossa” route, which leads from Berchtesgadener Land to the Austrian Salzkammergut and is accessible from May to October.

Through these comprehensive measures and innovative approaches, Tübingen is not only positioning itself as a pioneer in cycling policy, but is also setting an example for environmentally friendly mobility in urban areas. The city plans to continually expand the infrastructure in the coming years and further increase the attractiveness of cycling.

For more information about the cycling-specific measures in Tübingen, see also ZDF, which reports on the city's progress and plans.