Danger zone construction site: Why the Road Traffic Authority Wiesbaden is obliged

Wiesbaden is growing – and cycling is also growing with the city. More and more people are using the bicycle for everyday routes, especially on the way to work. But if you're on two wheels in Wiesbaden, you'll find the same eye of the needle almost everywhere: construction sites.

The fact that altered traffic routes on construction sites pose a real safety risk is shown not least by the accident statistics of the Wiesbaden Police Directorate: Transport construction measures also favoured the emergence of new accident sites in 2025.

The responsibility for these traffic routes lies with a very central point of the city administration: the Road traffic authority Wiesbaden.

The key role: No construction without road traffic authority

It is often assumed that construction companies or developers alone decide how a construction site is closed off or diverted. But the legal reality is different: Traffic law orders run without exception over the desks of the road traffic authority.

• Obligation to obtain a permit: Any temporary narrowing of lanes, any display of signs, any diversion for cycling and walking and any exemption must be checked and approved by the road traffic authority (traffic sign plan).

• Powerful leverage: The authority isn't just a bend-off instance. It is the control authority and has the right – and the obligation – to refuse plans or to request repairs if cycling and walking are disadvantaged or endangered.

When construction sites abruptly direct cycling to the road, signs are placed on cycle paths or cyclists are forced to disembark, this was done with permission – or by lack of control.

Inadequate Reality: Note 4.8 in the bicycle climate test

As the road traffic authority has so far not sufficiently complied with its obligation to protect weaker road users on construction sites, the results of the ADFC bicycle climate test show. In the category ‘Leadership at construction sites’ Wiesbaden receives the devastating note from the cyclists 4,8. More than 63 % Respondents report being abandoned or forced to disembark at construction sites.

Typical weaknesses in urban areas:

• Missing boardstone drops: Well-intentioned diversions fail due to details, the change from highboard to road or vice versa goes over an edge without ramping or it is placed in such a way that you have to drive narrow corner radii.

• 1. Ring (bus stops): Sudden constrictions force cyclists to suddenly classify themselves in dense flowing traffic.

• Construction site waste & Signage: Construction site signs often stand in the middle of the bike path, and sand or gravel remain lying down for months after the end of construction

Example of Frankfurt: Clear instructions from the authority

The fact that the road traffic authority can control things effectively is proven by the view to Frankfurt am Main. There, the Road Traffic Office enforced binding standards for developers:

1. Prohibition of ‘departing cyclists’: The additional symbol 1012-36 is in principle used on construction sites no longer approved.

2. Complete leadership: Cycle and foot traffic must be safely routed along the construction site – if necessary via secured emergency roads on the road.

3. Mandatory ramp-up: Curbs must be ramped in accordance with RSA-21.

Our demands on the Wiesbaden Road Traffic Authority

The ADFC Wiesbaden calls on the road traffic authority to finally consistently fulfil its role as a protection authority for cycling and walking traffic:

• No permit road sign plans that direct cyclists to high-speed services without protection or simply put on the sign ‘Cyclers disembark’.

• Establishment of protected construction site cycle paths (Pop-up bicycle lanes / construction site beacons), wherever lanes are narrowed.

• Mandatory controls on-site construction sites and rapid removal of debris and signage obstacles on cycling facilities.

Report defects directly: How to reach the authority

Do you see a dangerous construction site guidance, signs in the middle of the bike path or unsecured edges? Report the vulnerability directly to the competent authority! The more feedback there is, the higher the pressure to plan construction sites safely.

• Competent Office: Wiesbaden Road Traffic Authority (Road Traffic Authority – Traffic Regulatory Measures Department)

• Telephone: 0611 31-8400 (Central Road Traffic Authority Wiesbaden)

• E-mail: strassenverkehrsbehoerde@wiesbaden.de

(Tip: Take a photo of the hazard site and specify the exact location and date.)