Berlin has announced plans for a high-speed cycle route connecting the east and west of the German capital through the city centre.
The route is 38.3 kilometres long and runs through six districts: Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Lichtenberg, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Mitte, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Spandau.
Cyclists will be able to use the new route to efficiently reach their destinations while avoiding heavy road traffic. The forecast travel time of the entire route is 2.5 hours at an average cycling speed of 15 kilometres per hour. Once the route is complete, a potential 6,700 people could switch from car to bicycle, resulting in a forecasted CO2 saving of around 1,000 tons per year.
Berlin’s State Secretary for Mobility, Meike Niedbal joined infraVelo project managers to present the preferred high-speed cycle routes at a public information event on 6 April 2022.
Meike Niedbal, State Secretary for Mobility, said:The aim of the rapid cycle connections is to create a highly attractive offer for cyclists. Bicycle traffic should be able to move comfortably, safely and quickly here in order to be a real alternative to the car, even over longer distances.
The planning documents for the west route will be submitted at the end of 2023, while the planning procedure for the east route will begin in 2024. The high-speed east-west route is expected to be fully operational by 2030, with individual sections opening in advance.
The 38-kilometre route advance’s Berlin’s goal of having at least 100 kilometres of high-speed cycle connections by 2030, so that cyclists can cover large distances across the city in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
Gabriele Gluth, Head of infraVelo, said:Planning and building 100 kilometres of high-speed cycle connections in urban areas with limited space is a challenge. The priority roads of the east and west routes clearly show how a redistribution of traffic areas for more climate protection and safe mobility and attractive cycle paths can succeed.
