"We are delighted that the feasibility studies have confirmed that our two high-speed cycle connections have good potential and are highly cost-effective. The best thing is that they will not only benefit cyclists traveling to the state capital, but will also enable convenient commuting between the district municipalities. We now hope that planning can begin soon," says District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier.
State Transport Minister Winfried Hermann praised the Ludwigsburg district's commitment to the planning of high-speed cycle paths. "Especially in the Stuttgart region, efficient high-speed cycle connections can help to noticeably relieve other modes of transport such as roads and encourage people to switch from cars to climate and environmentally friendly bicycles as a means of everyday transportation. That's why we also want to ensure that at least 20 high-speed cycle paths are built throughout Baden-Württemberg by 2030."
Cycling to work in the district of Ludwigsburg in a fast, relaxed and safe way - this vision has come a little closer with the completion of two feasibility studies on high-speed cycle paths. Cycle highways are longer, continuous routes that directly connect popular commuter destinations. They are wide enough to allow you to overtake safely and have as few junctions as possible that force you to brake or even dismount. This allows you to get from A to B faster, even if the speed of travel itself does not increase.
An analysis of potential was carried out to determine where cycle highways are most worthwhile. Two of the connections identified there have now been examined in more detail in feasibility studies, which have received financial support from the state. These are the "Vaihingen/Enz - Stuttgart" route and the "Bietigheim-Bissingen - Stuttgart" route. The planning office SVK, commissioned by the district of Ludwigsburg, has forecast the potential volume of cycle traffic for these two routes, examined route options and - in close consultation with the municipalities involved - defined a so-called preferred option. Various criteria were taken into account when evaluating the route. In addition to infrastructural aspects, ecological aspects and the interaction between the various road users were also taken into account. However, this "preferred route" is only a recommendation. The actual route will be specified in the later planning phase together with all those involved, modified if necessary and finally decided by the political decision-makers.
Before further planning can begin, however, it is first up to the Stuttgart Regional Council. This is where it is decided whether the high-speed cycle connections are eligible for funding - ideally, up to 90% funding from the federal and state governments is possible - and under whose jurisdiction further planning will take place. Fast cycle connections that have a regional or supra-regional connection function and have an average potential of 2,500 out-of-town cycle journeys per day can, for example, fall directly under the responsibility of the federal state. If there is less potential, the district or local authorities will be responsible for construction.
Bietigheim-Bissingen <> Stuttgart high-speed cycle link
A high-speed cycle link along the Bietigheim-Bissingen - Tamm - Ludwigsburg - Kornwestheim to Stuttgart is particularly promising. Up to 9,700 cyclists could benefit from the approximately 14 km long connection (to the Stuttgart city limits). This makes the connection one of the most promising in the whole of Baden-Württemberg. The feasibility studies for the extension into Stuttgart city center are already available. The study certifies a high benefit-cost factor of 5.1 for the high-speed cycle link, meaning that the economic benefits of the construction project will be many times higher than the investment costs.
Vaihingen/Enz <> Stuttgart high-speed cycle link
A high-speed cycle link from Vaihingen/Enz via Schwieberdingen and Korntal-Münchingen to Stuttgart shows good potential: up to 2,600 cyclists could use this 20 km route every day. Here, too, a continuation is planned from the municipal boundary to the Stuttgart city center and from Vaihingen via Mühlacker to Pforzheim. The benefit-cost analysis for this link comes to a factor of 2.1. This value is not quite as high as for the Bietigheim-Bissingen <> Stuttgart link, but still well above the limit of 1, above which the overall economic benefit of a measure (e.g. through the potential to shift traffic from motor vehicles to cycling) is greater than the necessary investment measures.
The RS 8 is already two steps ahead: this fast cycle route, which will connect Ludwigsburg with Waiblingen, is already in the planning phase. Interested citizens can find more information on the district administration's cycling website: www.landkreis-ludwigsburg/radverkehr
