More cycling instead of driving: district is currently analysing existing routes

To make it even easier to get from A to B in everyday life in Waldeck-Frankenberg, the district is currently working on a mobility concept for cycling. Currently, all existing routes are being travelled and digitally recorded in order to then be able to analyse in which areas they need to be improved, further developed or completely new connections created - also in combination with bus and train connections. The focus is on everyday mobility. Feedback from the public is also welcome, and anyone can submit it online until 11 April.

By e-bike to work, by bike to the shops or on two wheels to music lessons: cycling is very popular in Waldeck-Frankenberg - not only for tourist purposes, but especially in everyday life. In order to make people even more mobile on two wheels, the district is therefore currently developing very specific measures to make cycling in Waldeck-Frankenberg not only more attractive, but also safer.

For this purpose, the existing cycle path network will be analysed on site on each individual route in these days and the coming weeks - by bike, of course, but also on foot and by car. The condition of the paths is just as important as the connections to the city and town centres or the connections to central railway stations, bus stops or Park & Ride car parks. In order to motivate people to switch from car to bike, the district is therefore focusing on everyday journeys - to work, to school or to the shops.

The suitability and quality of the paths are recorded in a database so that it can then be precisely examined which paths are suitable for integration into the route network and which still have gaps or weak points that need to be remedied. In this way, the district, together with the planning office "COOPERATIVE Infrastruktur und Umwelt" from Kassel, is developing a comprehensive data base on which the new cycle route network can be developed for everyday use. The aim is to connect already existing cycle paths in the towns and municipalities - also in combination with public transport - to form a regional network that is as complete as possible - and thus to sensibly integrate the existing cycle path concepts of the municipalities or to present a planning basis for future concepts.

"We would like to get feedback from the local people," say Susanne Paulus, head of the building department, and Adolf Scheuermann, who is in charge of the project at the district office. Potential destinations and corresponding path connections are therefore summarised on an interactive map. Everyone has the opportunity to mark points on the path connections with a mouse click - and to provide them with comments and suggestions for improvement. Even location-independent tips or wishes can be added. The ideas and experiences of local people are particularly valuable here, as they know their homeland especially well.

"In order to secure the quality of living and life in the district, sustainable mobility is imperative, especially for everyday life," says First District Councillor and Head of the Building Department Karl-Friedrich Frese. "We therefore want to adapt the cycle path network to people's needs." There is a clear distinction between this project and the project that the district is currently working on under the working title "Border Trail". This project clearly has a tourist focus, whereas the focus of the cycling concept is rather on getting from A to B on short distances by bicycle. "Of course, the routes will still lead through scenic areas and there will be one or two intersections. But mobility in everyday life is in the foreground of our cycling concept."