ADFC welcomes progress on Rüdesheim cycle path but points to remaining safety gaps

The Allgemeine Deutsche Fahrrad-Club (ADFC) Wiesbaden/Rheingau-Taunus takes positive note of the announcement published by Hessen Mobil on 30 July 26 regarding the release of the 300-metre-long temporary walk and cycle path near Rüdesheim. The new section is part of the right-hand EuroVelo 15 (Rhine Cycle Path) in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

The ADFC explicitly acknowledges that after an incomprehensibly long and complex planning phase, another step has now been taken that improves the situation for cyclists. At the same time, the association continues to see a need for action to make the route safe and attractive.

Temporary on the railway embankment - progress with restrictions

The new temporary route does not run like the rest of the cycle path towards Lorch on the Rhine side along the B42, but on the railway embankment and requires cyclists to cross two traffic lights on the main road. Coming from Lorch, the path ends at the level of the old interlocking again at the B42.

The ADFC sees this as an important intermediate step, but points out that the current solution does not yet meet the requirements for permanently safe cycling.

O-Ton from the region: Security remains a key challenge

Kai Menze, an ADFC member from Frankfurt and a long-time connoisseur of the track, has contacted the ADFC several times and impressively describes the situation:

“The design of curb bridging is a cruel patchwork. I wonder how long this will last.”

He also referred to the accident situation:

“As a bike packer, I travel frequently in the Rheingau and have been closely following the situation here for a long time. This site is very dangerous for cyclists, the police recorded according to the Hessenschau in the area around the cycle path on the B 42 in the past two years (2023-2025) eight accidents with five injured. I can only be surprised that no better solution has been found now.”

The ADFC takes these indications very seriously. Elke Tegeler, board member of ADFC Wiesbaden / Rheingau-Taunus, was on site and took a close look at the situation. She says:

“The narrow Rhine Valley is challenging in terms of traffic planning. There will be no perfect solution at this complicated point. However, further improvements are needed in the short term in order to make this an acceptable solution even in the holiday month of August with the many cyclists."

Sharing B 42 – Tight, cluttered, high risk

Between the old interlocking to the Adlerturm over a distance of just under one kilometre, cyclists and motorized traffic must continue to share the Rheinstraße (B 42).

Especially in summer and on weekends, many families with children travel here. Dodging on a sidewalk is not possible. The road is narrow, visibility is limited, and overtaking is risky.

ADFC claims for a safe and attractive solution

a) Rhine-side, barrier-free cycle and footpath to the Hafenpark

The ADFC calls for a wide, barrier-free cycle and footpath on the Rhine side of the tracks to be created from the current end of the cycle and footpath to the harbour park. This measure should be prioritised and accelerated so that there is a high-quality, safe and touristically attractive connection at the latest to the Bundesgartenschau 2029.

b) Immediate security measures for the existing temporary arrangement

Short-term improvements are needed until final completion:

• Speed limit 30 km/h on all sections where cyclists and motorised traffic share the B 42, in particular between the old interlocking and the level crossing.
• Regular monitoring of compliance with the speed limit by police or regulatory authorities.
• Overtaking ban for multi-lane vehicles against cyclists (single-lane vehicles) in order to prevent dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

ADFC: "A good start, but not yet a sure picture"

The ADFC Wiesbaden/Rheingau-Taunus emphasises: The section now opened is a step forward, but the region deserves a solution that does justice to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the importance of the Rhine cycle path.

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.