Cycling concept
Cycling is trendy, healthy and unbeatably fast for many journeys in the city. Thanks to modern technology (e.g. electric bikes), even inclines are no longer a problem. So it's no wonder that more and more people in Chemnitz are switching to cycling and have discovered it as a normal means of everyday transport. Of course, rising petrol prices and environmentally conscious thinking are also contributing to this. So there are many reasons to promote cycling in Chemnitz.
In order to make systematic progress in this area, the city council commissioned the administration to draw up a cycling concept for the city of Chemnitz in spring 2009. After three years of intensive work, the cycling concept was adopted by Chemnitz City Council in February 2013. A large circle of stakeholders from associations, clubs and interest groups, local politicians and the city administration were involved in the development process. Comments and suggestions from interested citizens were also incorporated.
The cycling concept for the city of Chemnitz is based on the following fundamental transport policy objectives and transport planning principles:
- The share of cycling in Chemnitz residents' daily journeys should increase to 12% of all daily journeys by 2020 - a doubling compared to 2008.
- Chemnitz is to become a "bicycle-friendly city", i.e. a city in which the conditions are right for cycling often and having fun.
- The city of Chemnitz will also promote cycling on a supra-regional level, for example as part of the Central German Metropolitan Region and at the level of the Free State of Saxony.
- A dense cycling network with easily navigable main connections between all parts of the city is to be developed in the city, as has long been a matter of course for car traffic. Of course, this also includes modern signposting.
- When roads and paths are planned for cycle traffic, they must be based on the current state of the art. This also applies to parking facilities and the link between cycling and public transport.
- The guiding principle of cycling promotion is "cycling as a system". This means that it is not just about roads or paths that are suitable for cyclists. The focus is on all conditions that influence how well you can cycle in Chemnitz.