Aachen main cycle network

With the definition of the main cycle network in 2023, the basis for the future expansion of cycling infrastructure in Aachen was created. The aim is to create a network of continuous routes with suitable cycling facilities ("forms of guidance"). The network has been defined in such a way that 90% of Aachen residents live within 200m of a route in the main cycle network.

The network is divided into three categories that reflect the different levels of importance for cycling:

• Stage 1: Fast cycle connections (magenta)

• Stage 2: Main wheel connections (dark blue)

• Level 3: Connecting route (light blue)

A special feature are main roads to which there is a parallel main cycle connection. Due to their specific importance for cycle traffic, Wilhelmstraße, Jülicher Straße and the Trierer Straße/Adalbertsteinweg axis were also integrated as"dual routes", as they represent a more direct route for cycle traffic.

The main cycle network has a total length of 414 km.

Level 1 cycle routes

Four regional connections with particularly high source-destination potential were defined as stage 1. The routes are to be developed in accordance with the regulations "Information on fast cycle connections and priority cycle routes" (FGSV: H-RSV 2021).

The four routes have a total length of 36 km:

• Euregio cycle highway with the main route via Richterich and Kohlscheid to Herzogenrath / Kerkrade with the branch-off via Horbach to Heerlen; following on from the Euregio cycle highway, the route via Horbach to Heerlen is also run from Richterich under the SN/RN I category.

In coordination with the cycle network for the city region, further high-speed cycle connections will be added in the future:

• Fast cycle connection to Stolberg and Eschweiler, connecting to the Vennbahnweg in the Eilendorf area with a route via Deltourserb and Schlackstraße, with extension of the Vennbahnweg). The parts of Stolberg are partly connected separately from the neighboring Aachen centers as RN II.
• Fast cycle connection to Würselen - Alsdorf - Baesweiler, in Aachen on the Aachen - Jülich railroad cycle path. As far as the Haaren area, the track route from the former Nordbahnhof station is defined as a dashed line; the Green Route serves as a solution up to this point with its expansion as a cycle route.
• In addition, the relatively short high-speed cycle link to Vaals with particular potential beyond Vaals in the direction of Maastricht, preferably in everyday traffic on the main road.

41% of Aachen residents live no more than 200 m away from a level 1 cycle route.

Level 2 cycle routes

The middle category includes other urban-rural connections and inner-city connections of great importance. This includes all other sections of the cycle priority route network, which connects all outer city districts to the city center.

The Grabenring, the Alleenring and the outer ring have also been classified as level 2 due to their importance for cycling; the Grabenring is to take over the distributor ring of the priority cycle routes.

The length of the routes in level 2 is 170 km.

29% of Aachen residents live no more than 200 m away from a level 2 cycle route.

Level 3 cycle routes

The third level includes a further 208 km of cycle routes of medium importance, which consolidate the network to the required access quality. A further 20% of Aachen residents live within 200 m of a level 3 cycle route.

Mission and development of the main cycle network

In September 2019, the concept and route of the"priority cycle routes" for Aachen was unanimously approved by the city's mobility committee in order to connect all outer districts with the city center on safe and convenient routes. The Grabenring was defined as a cycle distribution ring to relieve congestion in the old town.

Following the adoption of the cycling referendum in November 2019, the administration was commissioned to create a cycle network for Aachen that 90% of residents can reach within a maximum distance of 200 m from their homes.

From 2022 to May 2023, the "main cycle network" for Aachen was developed by the AB Stadtverkehr office in cooperation with the administration and representatives of associations in the expert commission on cycling. The main cycle network was then presented in all city districts and adopted by the City of Aachen's Mobility Committee on 24.08.2023.