Standstill on cycle expressway 4: Citizens fear for the future of the route!

Standstill on cycle expressway 4: Citizens fear for the future of the route!

The planned cycle highway 4 (RS 4) in Baden-Württemberg, which is intended to connect the Göppingen district with Stuttgart, has been under discussion for years, but concrete progress has not been made. Loud Stuttgart News the planning and implementation of the project is characterized by repeatedly postponed deadlines. The first section, a test part of the cycle highway between Ebersbach and Reichenbach, was opened in September 2021, but the further course is uncertain.

Minister Winfried Hermann and District President Wolfgang Reimer discussed the RS 4 priority route, which promises to create a fast and safe connection for cyclists in the Neckar Valley. This 18 kilometer route was selected based on extensive research and meets the quality standards for cycle highways, including a width of four meters and separation of pedestrian and cycle traffic. In addition to technical feasibility, compatibility with landscape and environmental planning requirements is also still being discussed, as stated in a press release from the Ministry of Transport ( Baden-Württemberg ) can be read.

Disagreements and concerns from residents

In Plochingen there are disagreements in the local council about the route of the RS 4, which should lead through the Bruckenwasen landscape park. In the neighboring communities of Altbach and Deizisau there has been no clear progress for some time. In Esslingen, on the other hand, many citizens are dissatisfied with the preferred option proposed by the regional council (RP). Wernau has also expressed concerns about the use of land for the construction of bridge entrances and exits.

The mayor of Wernau, Christiane Krieger, has confirmed that a conversation has taken place between Wernau and Plochingen, while serious discussions with the RP are still pending. Wernau has made it clear that they want to be included in the planning. The RP has announced that it will plan another meeting with Wernau to address citizens' concerns.

Long-term perspectives of the project

The discussion about the RS 4 is symptomatic of the challenges associated with the construction of cycle highways in Germany. Loud Mobility Forum The focus of cycle highways is on everyday cycling, which they want to promote through intersection-free connections and high surface quality. There are currently around 70 kilometers of such paths in operation in Germany and 114 more are being planned, which underlines the growing importance of cycling.

The future of the RS 4 remains uncertain, and it will likely take a long time for the entire project to move forward. The challenge of satisfying all interest groups and at the same time establishing an effective rapid cycle connection is great. The success of this project will crucially depend on how quickly and efficiently existing conflicts are resolved and all citizens are included in the planning process.