Kempten only barely achieves the "bike-friendly" rating

Kempten - In Bavaria, 37 municipalities are allowed to carry the title “bike-friendly”.

Kempten also wants and has just met the requirements - with conditions.

The city of Kempten would also like to include the “bicycle-friendly” label in its letterhead and has now had a commission of experts check whether the requirements for being bicycle-friendly are met.

The result: just like that and with conditions that must be met by the end of November.

Head of Traffic and Civil Engineering, Markus Wiedemann, took a deep breath and is relieved.

"We know that there is still a lot to be done, but we are very pleased about this positive testimony to our efforts to make Kempten more bike-friendly!"

The certificate is from the AGFK (Association of Bicycle-Friendly Municipalities) Bavaria, in which over 80 municipalities strive for better infrastructure and offers for cyclists.

In addition, the Bavarian Ministry of Transport and the ADFC (General German Bicycle Club) Bavaria are involved in examining and advising the municipalities.

AGFK calls for more courage to ride a bike ...

The test drive took place in Kempten last Monday.

AGFK board member Christian Wilhelm, also 1st mayor in Sonthofen, summarized the impressions of the auditors.

"Kempten needs more political courage for the interests of cycling." The administration is willing and puts "a lot of brainpower" into efforts to make cycling in the city safer and more pleasant.

In contrast, he sees a need for action among the politicians responsible, says Wilhelm.

... and criticizes shortcomings in Kempten

Martin Singer from the Ministry of Transport sees “commitment in administration and politics”, but criticized the fact that there is currently no cycling network plan.

In addition, there are still deficits in Kempten when it comes to signage, clearing snow from cycle paths and when it comes to parking spaces for bicycles.

The cooperation in the AGFK can also be expanded, according to the man from the ministry who recommends that the city set up a permanent “Bicycle Working Group” in order to be able to regularly discuss developments in cycling with the ADFC, the citizens and other players.

The Kempten rental bike offer and the position of a mobility manager for the city had a positive impact.

In order to appreciate the positive approaches and to motivate everyone involved, the AGFK Commission recommends Transport Minister Kerstin Schreyer to give the city of Kempten the title “bicycle-friendly municipality” despite the shortcomings mentioned.

The solemn act is planned for January 27th in the Munich Künstlerhaus.

“That gives us a lot of tailwind”, said a happy Wiedemann, “and momentum for our work.” However, he pointed out that Kempten would remain a city with a strong car dominance due to the large number of people commuting in and out and the difficult topography.

He called on Deutsche Bahn and local public transport to cooperate more closely in order to jointly achieve the goal of “fewer cars, more bicycles”.

ADFC satisfied with »Radl certificate«

Tobias Heilig from the ADFC Kempten-Oberallgäu was satisfied with the AGFK's “cycling certificate”: “The commission clearly shows the city what has been neglected so far on the subject of cycling.

The missing and absolutely necessary network plan must be submitted by November 30th, that is the very last deadline for the city! "