Fast cycle link Mönchengladbach - Neuss?
Contents of this page:
-
Brief description
- Aims of the cycle highway
- The feasibility study (short and long version)
- Tables on the calculations
- Are we on the right track, for everyone, for the climate?
JM 23.07.2025
1. Brief description of the cycle highway
A feasibility study for a cycle highway has been carried out for the Mönchengladbach-Hardt to Neuss route as part of the Rhineland Cycling Region.
The realisation seems particularly urgent, as funding is to be called up in the near future.
As part of my Guideline for pedestrian and cycle path markings project and because I live in Mönchengladbach, I have looked at and examined these documents in accordance with my Guideline for pedestrian and cycle path markings and the idea.
A critical analysis of the planned MG-NE high-speed cycle link with concrete proposals for better, more inclusive solutions for everyday traffic.
2. Aims of the cycle highways
The aim is to create a large-scale cycle network covering a very large area in the Rhineland.
This is to be created in accordance with the ‘Notes on fast cycle connections and priority cycle routes’ of the FGSV (Road and Transport Research Association) and other FGSV documents.
Cycling is to be significantly supported as an alternative to motorised transport, in this case the car.
Fast cycle routes are now to be provided for longer distances and
faster cycle traffic are to be provided
3. The feasibility study (short and long version)
Here are the two reports. The short report and the long version of the feasibility study, which was analysed here for the Mönchengladbach area. The area from the MG border to Neuss may be analysed later. (only in German)
4. My report on the MG - NE cycle high-speed link
A detailed analysis of the individual sections in Mönchengladbach and the cost estimate can be found here:
For the Mönchengladbach area:
EUR 14 - 21 million planned.
5. Are we on the right path, for everyone, for the climate?
Instead of focussing on lighthouse projects for the few, we could work together to create a model region in the Rhineland that would set an example nationwide:
- 100% barrier-free footpaths on all roads,
- 100% cycle paths on all doorsteps,
- barrier-free public transport.
Now your own front door would be directly connected to bus stops, shops, schools, leisure facilities, etc. - safely connected and accessible by all means of transport.
The footpath or cycle path does not have to be elaborately constructed; clear markings on the carriageways and ancillary facilities are sufficient.
Old patterns - new packaging:
- In the past, motorways dominated and everything else (trams, footpaths, cycle paths) was pushed aside.
- Today: Cycle highways are dominantly planned - again at the expense of the immediate surroundings:
Footpaths, bus stops, residential streets, social participation are left out.
And just like back then, major measures today often serve more political symbolism than the real everyday lives of people.
Do we really have to spend the subsidy money even though we know better?
Can't the requirements for subsidies also be checked to see whether they really make sense?
Not: How do we get from city A to city B faster?
But rather: How do we get around in everyday life - safely, climate-friendly and accessible for everyone - right on our doorstep?
"It's the road on our doorstep that connects us - not
not the fast track between cities."
If you find any errors, we are grateful for any advice.