09/2020: First "PBL" pilot project: concrete blocks

As part of a traffic trial, a protected bike lane (PBL) with a usable width of 2.30 m was installed on Pontwall between Roermonder Straße and Turmstraße over a length of 160 meters in the period 15.09.-17.09.2020. The costs for this measure amount to around 15,000 euros.

Cycling facilities that are structurally separated from the roadway allow cyclists to ride on the roadway physically separated from motorized traffic. Compared to cycle paths built at sidewalk level, they are an equally safe, but more cost-effective and faster form of cycle traffic guidance.

Further information on structurally separated cycling facilities can be found in the "Background information" section.

On the Pontwall, special adhesive kerbstones made of white concrete 1 m long and 0.16 m high were fixed one behind the other on the roadway. The comparatively high height prevents vehicles from driving over the kerbs and parking on the cycle lane.

The concrete block with a reflective coating was laid in a row with gaps of 1 m and interrupted at points where pedestrians, for example, cross the Pontwall.

WDR-Lokalzeit accompanied the installation with great interest.

The measure was closely monitored in terms of its acceptance and evaluated by questionnaire from 12.02.2021, among other things. The findings will be used to decide whether the concrete block element will be used in this or a modified version at other locations in the city in the future. As the stone was cast according to the requirements profile of the city of Aachen, modified models are also conceivable after the end of the observation phase.