ADFC demands: cycling connection from Rüdesheim to Wiesbaden must be followed up

Special purpose association stops meaningful future project

Wiesbaden, 14.05.2025. A continuous cycle connection, on which commuters, pupils and other cyclists make rapid progress along the Rhine rail between Rüdesheim and Wiesbaden in everyday traffic, is not in sight for the time being. As the Wiesbadener Kurier reports, the board of directors of the special purpose association Rheingau has stopped this promising project.

In parts, the connection is already well and safely navigable. The feasibility study presented last year makes recommendations for the expansion of the approximately 33 km long route, which could be produced at a cost of between 8 and 12 million euros. The ADFC Wiesbaden/ Rheingau-Taunus was represented in the project management group.

The special-purpose association now rejected the project solely because of excessive costs.

Church tower thinking must be overcome

The ADFC Wiesbaden/Rheingau-Taunus calls on the association to reconsider this attitude. The cost argument is incomprehensible, as this project is supported by federal and state funding and the municipalities only have to pay a partial amount of approximately EUR 2 million. Most of this is attributable to the city of Rüdesheim, which, however, also benefits considerably from the expansion of the linseed path in the city.

"Here the church tower thinking of the municipalities must be overcome and thought in larger contexts", says Michele Fleckenstein from ADFC Wiesbaden / Rheingau-Taunus.

The ADFC calls for a high-performance mobility system that is safe, healthy, climate-friendly and affordable for all. This includes significantly more investment in the expansion of cycle path networks. The ‘Mobility in Germany 2023’ study published by the Federal Ministry of Transport in March 2025 shows that investments in cycling infrastructure and connections to local transport have a positive effect on mobility.

The other side of the Rhine makes it happen: Last autumn, the first section of the so-called commuter cycle route (PRR) Bingen-Mainz was released.

About the ADFC

With more than 240,000 members, the Allgemeine Deutsche Fahrrad-Club e.V. (ADFC) is the largest representation of the interests of cyclists in Germany and worldwide. He advises on all matters relating to bicycles. Politically, the ADFC is committed to the consistent promotion of cycling on a regional, national and international level.