ADFC calls for urgent improvements to dangerous cycle route diversion between Walluf and Eltville

Walluf/Eltville, 21.05.2025 – Due to the installation of noise barriers along the railway line parallel to Wallufer Straße, a section of the popular long-distance cycle path R3 between Walluf and Eltville is expected to be closed until the end of summer. The closed area currently serves primarily as a storage area for building materials.

This blocking forces the cycle traffic to a diversion, which is already routed at the exit of Walluf to the cycle path on the opposite side of the road. The ADFC Wiesbaden / Rheingau-Taunus warns urgently of the considerable dangers that this diversion entails.

Dangerous diversion to the opposite side of the road

The combined cycle and footpath on the south side of Wallufer Straße is clearly too narrow for encounter traffic. This already led to a serious accident between two cyclists, in which a person had to be treated in the hospital.

Risky road crossings

The detour route for cyclists from Walluf in the direction of Eltville includes two crossings of the district road at the ends of the village. Both crossings are located in areas with a speed of 50 and are difficult for car drivers to recognize.

The ADFC therefore urgently calls for measures to increase safety:

• Clear marking of the crossings, for example by highlighting them in colour on the road.
• Speed limit to 30 km/h in the area of the crossings.
• Consistent monitoring and enforcement of speed limit compliance.

Poor signage of the diversion

The current signposting of the detour for cycling is insufficient and urgently needs to be improved. At the beginning of the detour at the exit of Walluf, the detour sign is partially covered by vegetation and appears illogical, as the bike path is still passable here. Locally uninformed cyclists are therefore expected to switch to the other side of the road shortly before the actual blocking at the level crossing and at a confusing point. A plan sketch at the beginning of the diversion could provide a remedy and motivate a timely change.

For cyclists from Oberwalluf, who meet the barrier directly behind the level crossing, no information is provided by signage.

The ADFC also criticizes that the blocking and the associated redirection are not yet communicated on the websites of the cities of Eltville or Walluf, as is usual with other traffic impairments.

In view of the long-term duration of the project (at least until 23 August 2025), the importance of the cycle path as part of the highly frequented and touristically popular long-distance cycle path R3 and EuroVelo 15 and as an important school path, the ADFC Wiesbaden / Rheingau-Taunus appeals to the relevant traffic authorities to improve the safety and signage of the detour route immediately.

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.