Protective strip model project with 40 pilot routes throughout Baden-Württemberg is entering the final phase
The working group for bicycle and pedestrian-friendly municipalities in Baden-Württemberg e. V. (AGFK-BW) has been investigating different variants of innovative wheel protection strips in two model projects on around 40 pilot routes across the country since 2019. They could increase the road safety of cyclists in the future. The model projects of this size, which are unique in Germany and funded by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Transport, are now entering the final round. One of the last model routes has now been marked in Markelfingen in the district of Constance. At the same time, the evaluations are already running in other municipalities.
Investigation of protective strips outside built-up areas and on narrow streets in built-up areas
Protection strips for bicycles on wider roads are already part of the street scene in many municipalities. The framework conditions under which protective strips can make cycling safer and more attractive and provide safe traffic routing for cyclists have not yet been conclusively investigated. So far, these forms of protective strips have only been permitted with a special permit. The AGFK-BW, one of the largest networks for promoting active mobility in Germany, has set itself the task of changing this.
Günter Riemer, CEO of the Working Group on Bicycle and Pedestrian-Friendly Communities in Baden-Württemberg (AGFK-BW) e. V. and First Mayor of Kirchheim unter Teck: “A particular concern of the AGFK-BW is to objectify the often emotionally heated debate about protective strips. In cooperation with renowned city and traffic planning offices, we are investigating the most diverse constellations of this potentially promising traffic management measure The result will be well-founded scientific data that will make it possible to make very specific recommendations for use for protective strips and, if possible, to implement them where it has not been permitted or has only been permitted with exceptions due to a lack of data. “
Sandra Sigg, cycle traffic coordinator in the district of Konstanz: “We are happy to be able to take part in the pilot project with this route and, together with the city of Radolfzell on Lake Constance, to mark the passage in Markelfingen with protective strips on both sides. Here we have the special feature that the street width varies greatly over a length of approx. 600 meters. With the marking solution, we hope to ensure safe traffic management for all road users. “
The investigations in urban areas focus on protective strips on both sides on narrow streets. Up to now, only narrow protective strips have usually been marked on such roads; the vehicles have kept their place. The AGFK-BW model project investigates how traffic behavior changes if the protective strips for bicycles are marked wider, at the expense of the vehicle lane width.
The results of the model projects should be available by the end of 2021
So far, protective strips have not been permitted outside of town. Here, the areas of application for marking one or both sides of the protective strip are examined and evaluated depending on the traffic load and structure of the road, the topographical conditions and the given road widths. A wide variety of observation criteria are used, for example whether there are conflicts between the various road users, how much safety distance the cyclists are overtaken and how close the cyclists are to the edge of the road. The use of one-sided protective strips is being investigated in particular on sections with inclines. The speed difference between cyclists and cars is particularly large here. Cyclists who ride uphill enjoy special protection with the new protective strip.
The results of the model projects should be available by the end of 2021. The measures are implemented by various regional councils, districts, cities and municipalities. The city and traffic planning office BERNARD and the planning office VIA provide scientific support.
The working group for bicycle and pedestrian-friendly municipalities in Baden-Württemberg e. V. (AGFK-BW) is a network of more than 80 cities, districts and municipalities. Supported and promoted by the state, the municipalities want to promote active mobility. Cycling and walking should be promoted as natural, environmentally friendly and inexpensive ways of getting around. With the prototype prototype projects, the AGFK-BW would like to enable cycling routes that have not yet been permitted, but which can contribute to greater road safety for cyclists.
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