Conflict intensifies over the designated bike lane on Kantstraße
In the heart of Berlin, a contentious issue is brewing over the proposed changes to the protected bike lane on Kantstraße. The Senate, led by CDU transport senator Ute Bonde, has suggested scrapping the bike lane for safety reasons, a move that has sparked opposition from various groups.
The proposed solution, if implemented, would see cars park along the curb, with bikes and buses sharing a lane, and private vehicles returning to the far-left track. This has raised concerns among cyclists, local businesses, and green groups who warn that the changes could put riders at risk.
CDU state secretary Arne Herz insists that the Senate is on solid legal ground regarding the proposed changes. However, the German Environmental Aid group (DUH) considers the Senate's plan to be illegal and contrary to the city's Mobility Act. DUH has threatened to back a legal challenge if the changes to the Kantstraße bike lane go ahead.
The ongoing talks between the Senate and the district aim to reach an agreement, with CDU state secretary Arne Herz suggesting an agreement could come "very soon." If an agreement is not reached, the Senate might take control of the project altogether.
The current bike lane on Kantstraße is separated for cyclists, a feature that has been in place for some time. Workers are currently marking the eastern stretch of the Kantstraße bike lane for permanent installation. However, the installation of the bike lane markings is ongoing, and there is a possibility that someone could instruct them to stop.
Stephanie Manz, who helped launch the petition to keep the current bike lane setup, expressed opposition to the proposed changes, stating, "We should be making it easier for people to switch to bikes, not harder." An online petition to keep the current bike lane setup has already collected over 3,000 signatures.
Critics claim the fire safety argument is a smokescreen, with the real reason for the proposed changes being a desire to accommodate more cars. This is seen as a potential rollback of hard-won climate goals. As the situation unfolds, the future of the Kantstraße bike lane remains uncertain.
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