Stuttgart celebrates: New cycle route opens between Wangen and Hedelfingen!

Stuttgart celebrates: New cycle route opens between Wangen and Hedelfingen!

The city of Stuttgart has taken a significant step in improving its cycling infrastructure. The expansion of the main cycle route 2, which connects the Otto Konz Bridges with Hedelfinger Platz, was recently completed. As wilih.de reports, this expansion was described by the city administration as a feature of promoting sustainable mobility. Residents and commuters are relieved that the construction sites and diversions have come to an end now that the work is essentially complete.

The main cycle route 2 was controversial from the start, as many cyclists prefer alternative routes through quieter local streets. Despite the provision of dedicated cycle paths, some cyclists still use sidewalks, which is not permitted. The new route is characterized by different markings and symbols, but these can lead to confusion.

Details about the expansion

The most recently completed construction phase includes an approximately 1.5 kilometer long, continuous and safe route for cyclists in both directions, as the city of Stuttgart announced in a press release on October 28th (stuttgart.de). The aim of the redesign is to increase the attractiveness and safety of cycling in Stuttgart. The measures include:

• Einrichtung von beidseitigen Radfahrstreifen
• Erneuerung und Verbreiterung der Gehwege
• Pflanzung von zehn neuen Bäumen zur Verbesserung des Stadtklimas
• Modernisierung der Fahrbahnen mit Sickerpflaster zur Verbesserung des Mikroklimas

Although the total costs for the expansion are estimated at around 6.5 million euros, the original plan was 12.3 million euros. There is still a need for construction and planning, especially on the Hedelfinger side, where a roundabout at Hedelfinger Platz has not yet been built. The traffic simulation from 2021 has so far made no progress in this regard.

Outlook and challenges

The connection of the main cycle route to the Esslingen cycle expressway remains open, and there is also a need for improvement for the heavily frequented Otto Hirsch bridges. The question of financing further stages of the project in the city budget remains unclear, and a resolution from 2019 stipulates that the work in the Hedelfinger district should only take place after budget funds for the redesign of the square have been secured.

Overall, the completion of the expansion of the main cycle route 2 shows the city's willingness to promote cycling and make cycling in Stuttgart safer and closer to everyday life. Nevertheless, it is important for those involved to address the remaining challenges in order to improve the cycling experience in the region in the long term.