Coburg's cycling traffic under pressure: survey shows alarming deficiencies!

Coburg's cycling traffic under pressure: survey shows alarming deficiencies!

In Coburg, cycling is currently receiving a very critical assessment. According to a survey by the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC), in which a total of 165 cyclists from the city took part in autumn 2024, there is a significant safety problem for two wheels. The survey is part of the biennial bicycle climate test, in which around 213,000 people nationwide took part and which produced some alarming results across Germany. In Coburg, the average rating fell to an overall grade of 4.16, which puts Coburg in 312th place out of 429 municipalities examined. In Bavaria, the city only occupies 37th place out of 49 cities. The survey objectives were to present a comprehensive picture of cycling and the conditions in the municipalities, as well as to highlight potential for improvement in the cycling infrastructure.

Cyclists in Coburg are dissatisfied: 80 percent feel endangered when riding on the roads. Another worrying finding shows that 84 percent of those surveyed find driving in mixed traffic with cars threatening. The cycle paths are perceived as too narrow and often dangerous. The situation is particularly precarious at construction sites: 84 percent of participants now regularly have to get off and push. In addition, 80 percent complain about traffic lights that are not adapted to bicycle traffic.

Cyclists demand improvements

The vast majority, namely 79 percent, criticize the frequent tolerance of illegally parked cars on cycle paths. The traffic situation in Coburg also appears aggressive to many cyclists, with 76 percent reporting a poor traffic climate. Another problem is the insufficient overtaking distance of cars - 82 percent of those surveyed cited this as a threat. The ADFC district association also confirms that Coburg has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to cycling.

In addition to the specific deficiencies, ADFC federal chairman Frank Masurat makes fundamental demands. He calls for separate guidance for bicycle traffic on main and country roads in order to increase safety. At this point, Coburg could follow the example of other cities - for example, Nuremberg recently achieved significant improvements through cycle-friendly traffic lights and new cycle paths. These measures have not only increased safety, but also increased the satisfaction of cyclists.

Cyclists in a nationwide comparison

The bicycle climate test also shows that more and more people across Germany find cycling dangerous. On average, 70 percent of respondents feel unsafe. However, some cities recorded positive developments. Frankfurt am Main, for example, tops the list of major cities with a rating of 3.49, while Münster and Erlangen also did well in their category. In contrast, regressions were observed in cities such as Berlin and Düsseldorf.

It remains to be seen whether the city administration will respond to the results of the survey and implement the required measures. The cyclists in Coburg would certainly be happy about a better cycling climate that would improve their safety and mobility.