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Battle for space in Berlin: Restaurant blocks bicycle parking spaces!
In Berlin, the unequal distribution of space between cyclists and outdoor restaurants is causing debate. One example is the “Hüftgold” restaurant on Ostkreuz, which, despite criticism, sets up tables between bicycle racks. The practice is approved, but many are calling for the return of public space.
Battle for space in Berlin: Restaurant blocks bicycle parking spaces!
A current topic is causing a stir in Berlin: the unequal distribution of space in public spaces, especially for cyclists. A restaurant on Ostkreuz, “Hüftgold”, has set up tables between bicycle racks, which has led to a heated debate on social networks. Outrage over this practice was amplified by an online post on Reddit that raised the question: Is it legal to make such an order? The answer is yes. The restaurant has had a special permit since April 2024, which is valid until 2027. This approval cost the operator 1,350 euros in special usage fees and 767 euros in administration costs.
The permit allows the “Hüftgold” to use sidewalk areas for outdoor dining. However, on site, numerous bike racks disrupt the use of these areas, leading to resistance to this practice. A user is calling for public space to be returned to the public, which illustrates the polarization of the issue of space distribution in Berlin. In response to the criticism, the restaurant regrets the displeasure that has arisen and emphasizes that it is trying to find fair solutions. There are also plans to set up additional parking bars nearby for cyclists.
Need for safe bike parking facilities
The controversies surrounding the distribution of space in Berlin also raise questions about the general supply of secure bicycle parking facilities. According to information from radparken.info There is a high demand for such systems in Germany. The bicycle parking information point, which was set up as part of the special city & country program, offers information and support for municipalities in the construction of bicycle parking garages and larger parking facilities. This is particularly important because the construction of such facilities is complex and requires the collaboration of many actors.
Many municipalities do not have a routine in the planning and construction of bicycle parking garages, which leads to delays. The Federal Ministry of Transport has therefore commissioned DB InfraGo AG to set up the information point, which has been offering support in concept development, finding space, planning and construction supervision since 2021. The service is free of charge for municipalities and could make a decisive contribution to improving cycling infrastructure in cities.
Optimization of cycling traffic planning
In order to further advance municipal cycling planning, the project “KoRa: Eliminating obstacles to implementation in municipal cycling planning” is also being initiated. This project focuses on the respective (administrative) processes in the municipalities, which have similarities but also bring differences. The German Institute for Standardization provides detailed results and recommendations in its report, which, however, are not equally applicable to all municipalities.
Another highlight of the KoRa project is the development of an online tool that is intended to serve as a quick check for municipal cycling promotion. The aim of this tool is to derive individual recommendations for action for municipalities in order to optimize the planning processes with regard to cycling.