Munich and Hamburg: Pioneers of traffic safety in Europe

traffic safety in Europe: a comprehensive analysis of the cyclomedia study

The perception of traffic safety in European cities shows fascinating differences that are often related to cultural, infrastructural and political factors. The Urban Road Safety Index (Ursi) 2024, published by Cyclomedia, offers an excellent basis for understanding these perceptions. Citizens were asked in 32 metropolises to determine how safe they feel in road traffic.

German cities in European comparison

In particular, Munich stands out in the study: 84 % of Munich feels safe or very safe in road traffic. Hamburg can also be found in the top ranks with 80 %. This shows that German cities play a pioneering role as part of traffic safety. In Berlin, Frankfurt and Cologne, the numbers are also solid, but there are significant feedback on necessary improvements, especially in cycle path construction.

Challenges of bicycle infrastructure

Despite the high feeling of security, there are still considerable deficits in the bicycle infrastructure in Germany. Only 62 % of Munichers consider the cycle paths to be safe, while the numbers in Frankfurt and Hamburg are 55 % and 52 %. A comparison with Helsinki, where 79 % of the citizens consider the bike paths as safe, illustrates that there is still a catch -up requirement here. Surprisingly, the Amsterdam bicycle metropolis looks quite modest with only 44 % approval in support for safe bike paths.

The desire for stricter traffic regulations

Another significant result of the study is the broad consent to lower speed limits in cities. Around 60 % of respondents in Frankfurt, Cologne and Munich support a speed limit of 30 km/h. The demand for an absolute ban on alcohol in road traffic is also widespread support in Germany, with over 70 % approval. This result shows a growing awareness of the need to make streets safer.

bridge safety: a regional concern

In a special analysis of bridge safety, an interesting picture shows: While the concerns about possible bridge collapse in Rome are very high, with 57 %, the Germans show themselves more relaxed. In Cologne, however, 37 % of the surveyed concern about their bridges, which indicates a differentiated perception of the infrastructure in different regions.

The importance of the study for urban planning

The knowledge from the Urban Road Safety Index offers valuable information for future urban planning. Thomas Homrighausen, Managing Director of Cyclomedia Germany, emphasizes that the study can help to understand the challenges that cities stand in front of, better to understand and to develop corresponding solutions. The clear wishes of the citizens, in particular the request for a better separation of the lanes, should be taken into account in the event of a priority in future planning.

In summary, it can be said that despite the overall positive finding in German cities, there are still many challenges with regard to traffic safety. The Urban Road Safety Index not only documents the status quo, but also serves as a guide for future developments in the sense of safe and sustainable urban mobility.

about cyclomedia

cyclomedia has been a leading company in the field of digital visualization of outdoor spaces for over 40 years. Their unique 360 ​​° visualizations support cities in developing future-proof solutions and thus increasing the quality of life of the citizens. You can find more information at www.cyclomedia.com/de .