The Aachen cycling concept was adopted by the Mobility Committee in 2022, taking into account the objectives of the citizens' petition "Radentscheid Aachen". The key points are the definition and implementation of a comprehensive cycling network, the maintenance and care of cycling facilities, the construction of new roads with high-quality cycle paths, the creation of sufficient parking facilities, a pedelec rental system and intensive communication on the subject of cycling.
Andreas Steindl, © City of Aachen / Andreas Steindl
As part of Aachen's cycling concept, since the adoption of the cycling decision in 2019, all new cycling facilities have been painted red across the board. This is intended to signal to motor traffic at all times that these areas are primarily (in the case of cycle lanes or protective lanes) or exclusively (cycle paths and cycle lanes) used by cyclists and that they should expect to see cyclists at all times.
Planning
Cycling action plan
The current action plan for the cycling sub-strategy is currently being drawn up and will take measures from 2025 onwards into account.
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Cycling strategy
The cycling strategy is part of the Mobility Strategy 2030 (PDF) and was adopted by the City of Aachen's Mobility Committee in 2022.
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Cycling decision
The "Aachen cycling decision" is a citizens' petition by an independent citizens' initiative.
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Cycle priority routes
CONORCROWE, © City of Aachen / Conor Crowe
People should be able to cycle safely and comfortably from every outer district to the city center on a cycle priority route (RVR). Priority means that cycling traffic should be bundled on these routes and given priority over motor vehicle traffic where it is routed as cycle lanes.
Routes with as few cars as possible were defined so that the routes are also accepted by less experienced cyclists and encourage them to switch to bicycles. In some places, cyclists therefore have to share space with pedestrians where no spatial separation can be created. Here, cyclists must show particular consideration for pedestrians.
The network adopted in 2019 contains a total of 10 priority cycle routes with a length of 60 km. All routes are to be connected via the Grabenring as a "cycle distribution ring". Larger sections to Eilendorf, Brand, Campus Melaten and Vaals have already been implemented. Currently, the implementation of the priority cycle route to Haaren is the main focus. Others will follow.
Implementation
Projects in the surrounding area
© City of Aachen / Andreas Steindl
Vennbahn
The Vennbahn cycle path starts at Aachen main station. The topographically difficult route through the low mountain range landscape between Aachen and Luxembourg required the route to be adapted to the terrain due to the large bends. Nevertheless, valley cuttings had to be repeatedly bridged on viaducts. These bridges rest on sturdy supporting arches made of bluestone, which blend harmoniously into the landscape and are reminiscent of Romanesque buildings in the Eifel and the Ardennes.
Euregio cycle highway
A cycle highway is planned to Herzogenrath and Heerlen/Kerkrade.
Trambaan cycle route Maastricht-Aachen
A historic streetcar route is to be used for cycling from 2017.
Aachen-Jülich railroad cycle path
Cyclists can cycle along the 32-kilometre-long railroad line cycle path from the imperial city of Aachen to Jülich in comfort and without any inclines.
Cycle route network of the city of Aachen
Many people in Aachen are mainly familiar with the main road network outside their residential area. However, the better routes for cycling are off this network. It is therefore helpful to look for cycle routes using maps or cycle route planners. There are various ways of finding suitable routes.
The city has a network of cycle routes that are interconnected by junctions. The junctions can be found on signs along the main cycle routes. But not only there. Corresponding information is now also available on the city of Aachen's geoportal:
Host of the 2022 municipal cycling conference
The Municipal Cycling Conference is considered the most important cycling conference at municipal level and has become an established event throughout Germany. The event focuses on networking and communication between those responsible for cycling in public administrations, districts and municipalities. The aim of the Bicycle Municipal Conference is the collegial and professional exchange of experience between those responsible for cycling in the municipalities and federal states. The associated networking is intended to consolidate this professional exchange.
The city of Aachen hosted the 16th Municipal Cycling Conference (November 22/23, 2022). The motto of the conference was "Implementing the mobility transition - good plans and making progress now". Around 300 participants took part in the conference and were able to experience key elements of the cycling concept for Aachen for themselves.