Nordwestmecklenburg asks: How safe are our bike paths?

Nordwestmecklenburg asks: How safe are our bike paths?

The citizens in Northwest Mecklenburg have the opportunity to express their opinions about their homeland until tomorrow, June 22, 2025. As part of the “Heimatcheck” survey, over 500 participants have already expressed their view of the quality of life in the region. A central topic are the bike path networks and the connection to public transport, such as The Nordkurier reports.

It is primarily the suggestions for improving the cycle paths that the participants employ. They call for a higher prioritization of bicycle traffic and a significant upgrading of the existing bike paths. This also includes wishes for bicycle roads and a better connection to public transport, including storage facilities for bicycles. The current call bus system, which is perceived as inadequate, especially for older people, is also criticized.

The path detective as an instrument

In order to improve the cycling infrastructure, the “path detective” was launched in August 2020. This online platform enables users to enter users, defects and suggestions for improvement directly on a card. Everyone can upload photos and make comments on the desired changes. The aim is to determine network gaps and identify danger spots, which is decisive for a robust bicycle traffic dimension in the Westmecklenburg region, nordwestmecklenburg.de .

The path detective is intended to help optimize the cycling infrastructure both in rural areas and in urban areas. This is done by recording the needs that are made visible between the Northwest Mecklenburg, Ludwigslust-Parchim and the state capital Schwerin. The data collected flow into the planning of a new cycle path concept.

The importance of good cycling infrastructure

The relevance of a good bicycle traffic infrastructure is undeniable, as the research results from the field of cycling promotion show. A comfortable infrastructure supports the decision to choose the wheel as an alternative type of transportation instead of using the car. According to Difu it is crucial that municipal bicycle traffic planners regularly check and adapt the existing elements in order to continue to meet the requirements in the future.

Overall, it can be seen that the quality of life in Northwest Mecklenburg not only depends on personal opinions, but also on the necessary infrastructure. The active participation of the residents of surveys and initiatives, such as the path detective, is an important step in this direction. And who knows, maybe all the needs of the cyclists in the region can be met with the right measures soon.