Cyclist survey: improvements in Leipzig and Dresden

Chemnitz complains about aggressive mood

Chemnitz was the third major city in Saxony to be rated worse by cyclists (4.14). Among the 25 cities with 200,000 to 500,000 inhabitants, the current European Capital of Culture was ranked 16th, but scored better than Halle, Erfurt and Magdeburg.

81 percent of respondents in Chemnitz did not feel safe when cycling, according to ADFC Saxony. There is also room for improvement when it comes to interaction in road traffic. "79 percent of those surveyed reported an aggressive atmosphere in road traffic, with only 18 percent stating that cars usually overtake them at a sufficient distance."

However, this is not just a problem in Chemnitz. The lack of distance from drivers when overtaking is often a nuisance nationwide. According to the ADFC, cycle paths are also too narrow or parked up. In order to improve conditions for cyclists, the association advises local authorities to create protected lanes and structurally separated cycle paths, as well as special cycle lanes. Generous 30 km/h zones in residential and mixed-use areas would also contribute to the improvement, as would safe and easily accessible bicycle parking spaces at all train stations, bus stops, workplaces and shopping centers. Then more people would also use their bikes.