Cycling remains a challenge - City of Leipzig rejects interim solution
The situation on Zschochersche Straße remains precarious for cyclists in the west of Leipzig. The narrow traffic routing with parked cars, streetcars and poor road conditions makes cycling there dangerous and uncomfortable. Although over 4,000 citizens have demanded improvements such as a 30 km/h speed limit and cycle paths, the city does not see any possibility of implementing them for the time being - at least not before the complete reconstruction, which is planned from 2028.
There is agreement that cycle paths are urgently needed - and these should also be implemented with the comprehensive road renovation. However, a temporary solution in advance, as called for in a petition, is not financially and technically feasible, according to the city administration.
Costs for a temporary solution are high - and there is no space
A temporary cycle path would cost around 200,000 euros, according to Mayor Thomas Dienberg (Greens) - the adaptation of the 36 road drains to the required level alone would cost 175,000 euros. A further 25,000 euros would be needed for marking and installing the cycle lane. What's more, the condition of the road hardly allows for such a measure - there is still some old paving under the asphalt and the drainage systems are damaged or overgrown.
Budget funds are lacking - implementation in 2026 at the earliest
Currently, no funds have been earmarked in the city budget for such an interim solution. Even if it were included in the financial plan, implementation would not be conceivable until 2026 at the earliest - too late, according to the city, as the fundamental renovation would begin shortly afterwards anyway. Therefore, the expansion with cycle paths on both sides - each 1.85 meters wide - should only take place in the course of the general renovation.
Another demand from the citizens, namely the introduction of a 30 km/h speed limit on the entire route to increase road safety, is not addressed in the administration's current statement.
