Short news: The traffic turnaround is a long-discussed odyssey. Now the corona virus means that a good part of the mobility concept that has been conceived is going up in flames: public transport is an environmentally friendly solution for the future, at least if it is fully utilized.
However, the current crisis also reveals that public transport is a hotbed for the spread of disease. It is precisely this point that could now bring individual transport by bicycle enormously forward. It may even be the beginning of the end of car-centric cities.
Development of a pandemic-proof infrastructure
The first rays of light are slowly appearing on the horizon as far as the return of life to our cities is concerned. In order to minimize the risk of infection in public spaces, the bicycle is emerging as a solution, especially in urban areas. In many places, new bike lanes have emerged in record time over the past few weeks and days.
On the one hand to absorb the additional bicycle traffic. And on the other hand, to give cyclists the necessary distance from each other. As soon as schools and shops gradually open again in the near future, it will be seen whether the concept will prove itself. Associations such as Changing Cities are already calling for long-term mobility infrastructures to be used that are suitable for pandemics, as the defined distance rules will probably remain in place for months to come.
Concrete measures are intended to make it easier to switch to cycling
In a letter to the federal transport minister and the transport ministers of the federal states, the association called, among other things, "to create the regulatory framework so that roads can be redesigned quickly and easily." These at least temporary measures should include the widening of footpaths and cycle paths as well as additional cycle lanes on the carriageway and the establishment of roads that are only open to bicycle traffic.
Priority switching at traffic lights for cyclists and pedestrians should also be considered. The General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) calls on the municipalities to take creative measures to make it easier for commuters in particular to switch to bicycles.
Some Berlin districts are moving forward
In some Berlin districts, the current situation has led to a pandemic growth of cycle paths. Without further ado, future planned "fixed" cycle paths have already been realized with lines. It is not unlikely that they will remain simple even after the crisis. In Berlin Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, for example, the announcement of several jobs for cycle path planners could speak for a possible departure from the city that is purely geared towards car traffic.
"Berlin's commitment is certainly very commendable, but in terms of an effective measure to reduce the risk of infection on busy routes, it is far from sufficient. We hope that there will be more and that other cities will follow this example," says the ADFC.
Public transport also has to adapt at times
Public transport remains another problem. The German Railway Customers Association (DBV) makes a demand that is not necessarily realistic. Accordingly, the minimum distance of 1,5 meters should also be maintained in local public transport through structural measures. A number of things are conceivable, ranging from at least doubling the seating capacity to expanding benches to structural measures at bus stops and platforms.
In view of the lack of vehicle capacity, massive use of resources, a lack of staff and enormous costs, switching to bicycles or e-bikes in the local area seems to make much more sense. After all, cycling also actively promotes health and not only passively protects against a possible infection.