By bike for the traffic turnaround: tour from Eisenach to Berlin

By bike for the traffic turnaround: tour from Eisenach to Berlin

In the coming weeks, the "Tour de Verkehrsendende" from the NGO "Changing Cities" will cycle from Eisenach to Berlin. This initiative has set itself the goal of drawing attention to the grievances in the transport infrastructure and fighting for equal use of roads and paths. With many participants from young to old, the focus will be on the need for safe bike paths and an improved public transport.

The Prime Minister of Thuringia, Bodo Ramelow, has already exchanged ideas with the cyclists during the first stage of the tour. Despite his full campaign plan, he took the time to hear the concerns of the initiative. Ramelow was outraged by the insufficient investments in the rail infrastructure, while more money flows into the expansion of highways.

claims of the participants

The cyclists who have joined the "Tour de Verkehrtwende" are not only active on the track. They are also ambassadors for their demands for a better infrastructure. The organizers of the tour of "Changing Cities" describe themselves as a committed, colorful movement that stands for more livable cities. Through the entire tour, the participants can raise their voice and indicate the need for changes in transport policy.

The tour started in the tranquil Eisenach, where the cyclists gathered at the Johanniskirche parish hall. There are only inadequate bike paths in the city itself, and the established infrastructure is often in a miserable condition. The mayor of Eisenach, Christoph Ihling, wanted to welcome the tour with words of recognition, but was hardly able to offer any deeper information about the traffic problems.

• Mixed age group: Participants from the entire range of age, from 10-year-old Jamino to over 70 year olds, take part in the tour. This diversity contributes to widening the perspectives on the topic of cycling.
• police accompaniment: The police accompanies the tour to ensure security and ensure a smooth process.
• demonstration for a better infrastructure: The fact that the tour counts as a demonstration gives the entire trip additional reprint.

The dealers are particularly amusing when cycling. In order to leave a long car lake behind, the cyclists quickly switch off on a dirt road and then turn a dangle back to the route. These interactive experiences illustrate how different road users interact in everyday life - from understanding drivers to impatient honking.

On the tour, many are also busy showing historical and interesting points along the route and explaining what makes cycling an eventful and educational experience. The participants experience the fissures within society, whereby the friendliness of the passers -by often turns out to be refreshing.

The stages lead the cyclists through Thuringia, for example to the cities of Weimar and Jena, where they come across local cycling activists and discuss their experiences and challenges. In addition, the condition of the infrastructure will be a central topic of conversation. Here you can expect more initiative and progress in the implementation of bicycle projects.

The tour of the country finally ends on August 30th in Berlin, where a final rally will take place in the invalid park. Rounded off by a variety of passengers, the day will end with a last powerful message - it is time to fully support the turnaround and create a safe and equal mobility for everyone.

A call to change

The "Tour de Verkehrtlende" is not just a bike tour; It is a call to change and improve the quality of life in our cities through better traffic planning. The growing number of participants and the different voices that come to light are clear indicators for the growing need of society according to new ways in traffic. The participants actively campaign for their demands and ask those responsible to finally take the necessary steps to improve the traffic situation in Germany.

Development of the cycling infrastructure in Germany

In recent years, an increasing awareness of the need for a better cycling infrastructure has developed in Germany. The trend shows that more and more people appreciate the bike as an environmentally friendly and health -promoting means of transportation. According to bicycle traffic monograph in 2021 of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI), the proportion of cyclists in urban areas increased significantly. Especially during the Covid 19 pandemic, when many people used alternative means of transport to avoid overcrowded public transport, the use of the bike increased.

At the same time, cities such as Berlin, Vienna and Copenhagen experience a continuous expansion of the bike paths. More protected cycle paths are created, bicycle parking spaces are created and the safety for cyclists are improved. Nevertheless, there are often large gaps in the network of cycle paths that need to be closed.

political initiatives and challenges

The political will to support cycling projects is often inconsistent in Germany. Numerous cities are fighting for financial means and political support for the expansion of the cycling infrastructure. In its reports, the ADFC (General German Bicycle Club) regularly criticizes the slow progress in the implementation of cycling plans. Many initiatives, such as the "Bicycle -friendly communities" campaign, are actively committed to creating and implementing cycling concepts in the municipalities.

A concrete example is the initiative for a nationwide bike law that is intended to strengthen the rights of cyclists and binding standards for the expansion of cycling infrastructure. However, the draft law is still under discussion and there are resistance from various political camps. Where the arguments about road space distribution and financial priorities continue to prevail, the struggle for a climate -friendly transition turns shows, as is also required during the "Tour de Traffic turn".

role of locomotion in urban space

The trend towards urban mobility opens up many options for innovative mobility concepts. E-mobility, car sharing and especially cycling are becoming more important. In 2022, the Federal Statistical Office recorded an increasing number of bicycles and pedelecs. The market for e-bikes is growing steadily, which increases the acceptance of cycling in older and less sporty people.

In addition, access to bicycles and the question of inclusion is of central importance. Projects that concentrate on cycling mobility for people with disabilities increase to ensure that they too benefit from the traffic turnaround. Initiatives such as “bicycle promotion for everyone” show that the inclusion of all citizens in the design of the cycling infrastructure is an important step to create an inclusive urban society.