Fast cycle track Ruhr

The Ruhr area presents a real challenge for your everyday life if you're a commuter hopping on the A 40. Traffic jams, stop-and-go, never-ending construction and accidents have demoralised many commuters. It's time for new mobility concepts. On the planned fast cycle track Ruhr (RSR), cyclists shall be able to ride through the Ruhr area without traffic lights or road crossings. The goal: to motivate as many drivers as possible to use their bicycle instead and to relieve the A 40.

The plan: A bituminised road of approx. 5 metres width that is intended to wind along the A 40. In the evening with illuminated by lights. The track shall - according to the Regionalverband Ruhr - run from Duisburg to Dortmund all the way to Hamm. 85 kilometres in total. At the moment, this fast cycle route is only an idea - a vision. The concept takes account of the trend to be mobile on increasingly powerful electro bikes.

Fast cycle track Ruhr

"The project would surely be unique in Germany", emphasises RVR spokesman Jens Hapke. "When we talk about new mobility concepts of the future, we cannot close our eyes before the bicycle.“
So much for the idea. How many drivers will actually switch from their car onto a bicycle is yet to be seen. If we calculate with an average speed of 20 km/h on an electric bike, it would take a commuter 2 hours for the 40 kilometres to get to work 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. That's a time that can become quite unpleasant if the temperatures in our country fall under 20 degrees or - you never know - it might even rain or snow.

But let's stop moaning and groaning. Our Dutch neighbours experience rain and snow just like we do. Yet they report positive numbers with similar projects - even if the distances were somewhat shorter. A fast cycle track along the cities of the Ruhr is certainly a great vision of the future and a concept that offers an economic and ecological alternative to road and train traffic.