Großräschen opens Kühle Spur”: The new cycle path to combat the heat!

Großräschen opens Kühle Spur”: The new cycle path to combat the heat!

This morning at 10 a.m. the “Kühle Spur” cycle path at the harbor in Großräschen was ceremoniously opened. This innovative cycle path, developed by scientists from the Leibniz Center for Agricultural Landscape Research and the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, extends over a length of 30 kilometers and leads to Altdöbern. The aim is to offer cyclists a welcome respite on hot days.

The planning for the cycle path was complex and incorporated the most modern technologies. Drones and thermal imaging cameras were used to identify areas that are particularly comfortable for cyclists, while avoiding other hot “hot spots”. Loud MDR The “Kühle Spur” runs largely along cooler stretches between Lake Altdöbern and Großräschener See and offers extras such as shaded areas, drinking fountains and bathing areas.

Integration of the cycling community

Active participation of bicycle tourists was a central element in the planning of the new cycle path. Feedback on the length of the route, sights as well as rest and bathing opportunities were taken into account. “The bicycle tourists should also assess how useful adaptation measures such as planting trees and hedges would be,” explains a scientist on the project.

The cycle path is part of the “Kühle Spur” cycle tour run by the Lausitzer Seenland Tourist Association and, according to planning, is suitable for all fitness levels, which means that anyone can cover the route in less than three hours.

Focus on climate-friendly cycling

The project not only contributes to improving the cycling infrastructure in the region, but is also in line with current developments in cycling in Germany. According to a study by the ADFC If greenhouse gas emissions in Germany could be reduced by 34% by 2035, the share of cycling should increase to 45%. The expansion of cycle paths is seen as one of the fundamental measures to achieve these goals. Compared to other European countries, Germany still has some catching up to do when it comes to cycling infrastructure.

This is also criticized by Frank Masurat, the ADFC federal chairman, who is calling for a fundamental change of course in transport policy. In many European cities such as Utrecht or Copenhagen, over 40% of the paths are already reserved for cyclists, while Germany only has 33.6% of the total length of the cycle path network.

The “Kühle Spur” cycle path could not only offer a great recreational oasis for cyclists, but also serve as a model for other regions that want to meet the challenges of climate change.