CDU calls for a ban on cycling in Esslingen's pedestrian zones during rush hours!

CDU calls for a ban on cycling in Esslingen's pedestrian zones during rush hours!

The discussion about the use of bicycles in the pedestrian zones of Esslingen's city center is being vigorously pursued. The CDU local council group recently submitted a motion calling for temporary cycling bans in these areas. Complaints about cyclists driving recklessly and not adhering to the existing rules have been coming up for a long time, like this Stuttgart News report.

The city of Esslingen launched a campaign last year to encourage more consideration among cyclists and to show alternative cycle routes. But the CDU criticizes these measures as ineffective and calls for clear rules and clear markings for times with high foot traffic. The city administration had previously argued that there had been no accidents known to the police and that the issue did not need to be looked at further.

Situation in Esslingen city center

In Esslingen's city center, several streets are designated as pedestrian zones. These include Bahnhofstrasse, Fischbrunnenstrasse, Küferstrasse, Innere Brücke, Pliensaustrasse, Ritterstrasse as well as Unterer and Oberer Metzgerbach. The objective of this regulation includes reducing the traffic looking for parking as well as increasing cycling and walking traffic and improving the quality of stay, such as City of Esslingen explained.

Pedestrians have priority, although limited traffic for residents and deliveries is permitted. Approved vehicles must travel at walking pace and parking is only permitted for residents with parking permits. There are also set delivery times in the pedestrian zones, Monday to Sunday, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Criticism and comparisons with other municipalities

The CDU is now demanding that the city enforce clear guidelines and signposts during the temporary cycling bans. In other municipalities in the Esslingen district there are similar problems with cyclists in pedestrian zones. For example, in Plochingen cycling is prohibited in these zones, although this rule is not always respected. Kirchheim, on the other hand, has implemented a ban on cycling on main axes in pedestrian areas between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., which is monitored through controls and warnings.

The demand for more consideration and clear regulations in Esslingen's pedestrian zones is not only supported by the CDU, but is also being met with broader social discussions. It remains to be seen whether the city administration will respond to the repeated concerns and what measures will ultimately be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users.