- en
Düsseldorf to boost cycling tourism
The German city of Düsseldorf plans to add junction signposts to its biking routes in order to make the city more attractive for cycling tourism. In the cycling network with a junction system, all intersections are numbered which allows cyclists to plan their routes more easily.
Mayor of Düsseldorf Dr. Stephan Keller stated: “Our goal is to expand cycle tourism in Düsseldorf. With the new junction system, we would like to join the ‘RadRegionRheinland’ and thus connect with the neighbouring municipalities.”
The advantage of this approach is that cyclists need to remember the numbers of their desired routes rather than names of places. In addition, the route can be altered at each intersection. Expanding the city’s cycling infrastructure will make it easier for locals and tourists to discover Dusseldorf on their bikes.
The system known as Fietsrouten network was founded in Belgian Limburg in 1995, and it swiftly expanded across borders to the Netherlands, Germany, and Wallonia. Wurmtal, a German-Dutch border region, was the first place in Germany where the junction system was introduced. This way, two neighbouring countries were linked with 130 kilometres of cycling lanes with several cultural attractions along the way.
The majority of Düsseldorf’s cycle lanes have been marked with the North Rhine-Westphalia cycle network’s nationally-standardized red and white signposting system. Intersection signposting is currently being planned in Düsseldorf’s urban region. The installation of the first intersection signs has recently already begun in districts 9 and 10 in the south of the city.
Ole Friedrich, Managing Director of Düsseldorf Tourismus GmbH stated: “Cycle tourism is playing an increasingly important role for Düsseldorf, and with the connection to the already existing intersection signposting for the ‘RadRegionRheinland’, new opportunities arise for us. Initial talks with the RadRegionRheinland have already been held.”
Dusseldorf is generally considered one of the most bike-friendly cities in Germany which actively promotes cycling. In 2017, Dusseldorf hosted the Grand Depart of the Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious bicycle race.
Photo credit: Rille Camera Strap/Unsplash
