Safe distance for cyclists: Erfurt starts reconnaissance campaign!

Safe distance for cyclists: Erfurt starts reconnaissance campaign!

In Erfurt there are new exciting developments for cyclists: Numerous information boards now indicate the legally prescribed minimum distance of 1.5 meters when cars overtake cyclists. This initiative is part of a comprehensive campaign that is supported by various organizations, including the general German Bicycle Club (ADFC) and the Traffic Club Germany (VCD). The aim is to raise awareness of the overtaking distance and thus increase the safety of cyclists. Sophie Seher from ADFC Thuringia explains that a real distance not only increases the safety of cyclists, but also defuses the traffic situation for drivers - which benefits everyone.

But not enough! Further actions are planned in Erfurt, including a distance measurement in cooperation with the state police. Dirk Büschke, the city's cycling officer, underlines the need for controls and sanctions in order to convey the importance of the minimum distance. "Every relationship needs a healthy distance," is the motto of the campaign, which not only aims at cyclists, but also to the drivers.

joint efforts in Thuringia

The sensitization for the safety distance when overtaking cycling is a Thuringia -wide initiative. The prelude took place with a creatively designed pool noodle campaign in Jena, where pool noodles on the bikes' luggage rack symbolized the minimum overhaul distance. State Secretary Dr. Tobias J. Knoblich and Jena Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche part. In the future, in addition to the distance measurements already mentioned, banners, posters and information stands will also be planned in order to bring people closer to the importance of the distance control and to inform them about the materials that are available from AGFK Thuringia.

Background of these efforts are terrifying statistics: Studies show that the minimum distance is often disregarded. An investigation by the Board of Trustees for Road Safety (KFV) showed that 73% of the motor vehicles did not comply with the minimum distance of 1.5 meters in the local area. It was also found that speed overruns in Tempo 30 zones are widespread. The traffic accident statistics have shown a maximum of injured cyclists in recent years, which underlines the urgency of this measure.

A look into the future

In order to further improve the safety of cyclists, the KFV calls for the regulations for cycling lanes and the application of the distance control even at speeds of 30 km/h. According to the claim, technical monitoring options for checking the minimum overhaul distances should also be introduced. The expansion of the wheel infrastructure is another topic that always comes to the table.

With the current campaign and the planned measures, those responsible take a clear step towards more security for cyclists in Erfurt and all of Thuringia. It is to be hoped that these efforts will bear fruit and that traffic safety on the streets will be improved from scratch.

For more information about the campaign, visit the pages of Thuringia, ADFC Thuringia and KFV .