Safe and relaxed on the new U5 bike: Christian Democrats support the creation of a continuous cycling route in Berlin

Safe and relaxed on the new U5 bike: Christian Democrats support the creation of a continuous cycling route in Berlin

Safe and relaxed on a new continuous cycling route along the U5 subway line from the middle to the east of Berlin: This is a project for which bicycle activists have been working for years. Now you get support from a party that has recently wanted to profile itself in this field: the Christian Democrats. "The U5 cycle railway is an ambitious project that could not only strengthen bicycle traffic, but also improve the quality of life," said Lichtenberger CDU MP Lilia Usik on Wednesday. She asked how far the preparations are now and now get an answer. But there is still a lot to do for the Radbahn U5 and for the planned speed of cycling (RSV) to Hönow.

Heinrich Strößenreuther, once a co-initiator of the bicycle folk decision and for several years CDU member, sees good opportunities for many new bicycle traffic facilities in Berlin. "I expect that more new cycle paths will be created by the end of the 2026 election period than under green aegis since 2016," he said. The new traffic senator Manja Schreiner misunderstood some of the bicycle scene. The CDU politician is serious when she speaks that the bicycle traffic network in Berlin is to be expanded, Straßenreuther is convinced.

Shortly after she took over the office at the end of April, Schreiner had caused irritation and violent criticism. Because she and her state secretary Claudia Elif Stutz (who, by the way, rides in everyday life) had plans for cycling lanes checked, there was an outcry in the scene. Cyclists demonstrated against "Auto-Manja", who are planning a traffic policy rollback. 16 out of 19 projects can now be continued as planned or continued with changes. However, three projects remain - and the completed cycling lane in Ollenhauerstrasse in Reinickendorf, which initially serves as a car park, has still not been released.

But the grand coalition of the CDU and SPD insists: in Berlin the bicycle traffic network should continue to grow. However, it could be that new cycling lanes have been narrower than the Mobility Act has so far provided this. Not only the tone in the debate, but also the focus within the urban area should change. "In recent years, traffic has been heavily discussed, and the outdoor districts were neglected," said Schreiner in an interview with the Berliner Zeitung.

The speech by Lilia Usik is just right. "We want a city in which the citizens can safely and conveniently move by bike, and the U5 cycle railway could bring us closer to this goal," said the member of the House of Representatives. The constituency in which the native Ukrainian narrowly prevailed against the SPD politician Andreas Geisel is outside the ring railway. He includes Karlshorst and parts of Rummelburg and Friedrichsfelde - areas that would benefit from the planned U5 cycle path.

The planned cycling route along the subway line to Hellersdorf could be considered a "pioneering traffic solution", Usik is convinced. "A well -planned and safe cycling railway U5 will contribute to sustainable and safe mobility, a healthier lifestyle and a more livable city. It promotes an environmentally conscious way to move and can enrich the daily life of people in a variety of ways," said the MP. In the meantime, the Senate's response to the project is available, according to the 34-year-old CDU politician.

The announced feasibility investigation into the "U5 cycling system" has now been carried out, State Secretary Stutz said in the printed matter. The state -owned GB Infravelo is responsible. According to their information, a course of the route was examined, which begins at the Ostkreuz station. On the main and Zobtener Straße it goes east. Further sections concern the Hönower Weg, Friedenshorster Straße, Richard-Kolkwitz-Weg, the Schackelster- and Wulkower Straße. Beyond the Elsterwerdaer Platz it continues via the Walsheimer, Altthreptower, Gülzower and Hellersdorfer Straße to Cecilienstraße in Hellersdorf.

Some areas of the route are already a paradise for the bicycle traveler, said Lilia Usik. "The route along Zobtener Straße is separate from motorized traffic and safe for all cyclists, especially for children, older people and less experienced drivers," said the MP. "It should be our goal that the entire course of the U5 cycle railway becomes so pleasant, safe and environmentally friendly."

At the moment, cyclists in Lichtenberg and Marzahn-Hellersdorf mostly feel like a second-class road user. They are annoyed that politicians and planners have so far paid little attention to cycling. The U5 cycle railway is a project for which bicycle activists have been working for several years. "A quick cycle connection for 260,000 people along the above-ground subway line 5. Away from streets. In the fresh air. In the countryside"-this is also what the network bicycle-friendly Marzahn-Hellersdorf.

"The existing route between Tierpark and Biesdorf Süd shows how relaxed cycling away from the large car commuters can look," said the network. “We stimulate an extension of the existing route towards Hellersdorf, as many people in