As of: March 7, 2024, 1:02 p.m
By: Peter Schiebel
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Nothing works anymore: Detlev Welters from Gauting and his dog Buddy at the fence that now blocks the footpath and cycle path in front of the old mill in the Mühltal.
Pedestrians and cyclists now have to move onto the state road.
© Andrea Jaksch
The foot and cycle path through the Mühltal, one of the best-known connections in the Starnberg district, has been interrupted for a few days.
The Würmtal special purpose association has cordoned off an approximately 80 meter long section for safety reasons.
Pedestrians and cyclists now have to move onto the state road.
Starnberg
– Detlev Welters (74) has lived in Gauting since 1986.
And since 1986, a walk with his dogs has taken him past the old mill in the Mühltal at more or less frequent intervals.
But these days he was faced with a fait accompli right there: the footpath and cycle path directly past the mill building is blocked off.
Two massive wooden fences with posts embedded in concrete make it impossible to continue walking or cycling.
Signs say: “No entry on private property!” Welters is somewhat stunned: “Cyclists and pedestrians now have to move onto the road at this point, which is very dangerous due to heavy car and motorcycle traffic and the guardrail on the side,” he tells the Starnberg Mercury.
The road Welters is talking about is state highway 2063 between Starnberg and Gauting, on which around 4,500 vehicles travel every day (as of 2022).
And it also has curves and a crest right there.
“Last Sunday I saw a mother walking along the street with a stroller, it was hair-raising,” says Welters.
The Würmtal-Zweckverband (WZV) is responsible for the wooden fences as the owner of the mill property.
Its managing director Klaus Krüger refers to the obligation to ensure traffic safety.
As the owner, the association has to ensure that nothing happens to people on its property.
Two or three years ago there was an accident with a cyclist at exactly this point, which even led to investigations against the association.
“We really don’t want people to be harmed,” says Krüger.
“But I can’t expect my employees to be held liable.” In addition, the route is not safe.
In some cases the asphalt is crumbling and the old mill, which is now empty again, is not in good condition either.
The association discussed the matter for a long time and finally decided to block it.
“We can’t make it any other way to make sure it’s okay for us,” says Krüger.
The process has been coordinated with the authorities.
From the direction of Starnberg, a yellow sign on the signposted footpath and cycle path now indicates that cyclists must change to the state road.
After about 80 meters, turn right onto the path past the Mühltal forestry lodge towards Gauting.
Until now, cyclists and pedestrians had only had to cross the street at this point.
“I’m not happy with the solution,” admits Oliver Jauch, the police traffic officer responsible for the district.
But he also says: “I can understand the Würmtal special purpose association.
And I can't force him to let strangers onto his property." Although he himself is often critical of speed limits, at this point he was in favor of a maximum of 50 km/h, says Jauch.
This speed regulation applies from just before the old mill to the Würm Bridge.
In addition, a triangular danger sign “Attention, cyclists” is intended to raise awareness among road users on the state highway in good time.
Jacob Eberle from the Weilheim State Building Authority makes a similar statement.
He also understands the WZV, but he also doesn't think the situation is optimal.
“I don’t hope this is a permanent solution, although it may take a few years,” he says.
Perhaps a better option will arise in the course of the renovation of the Würm Bridge, which is scheduled to take place over the next few years.
Meanwhile, Detlev Welters shakes his head and warns: “Cars that move into the opposite lane when overtaking are not seen at all or are seen late because of the confusing curve.
This can lead to extremely dangerous situations.”