Cycling initiative thrives at Nicolaus-Cusanus Gymnasium, with students now engaging in a school-based bike-riding program
The "Bike to School" initiative, a successful venture at Integrated Comprehensive School Paffrath, has now found its way to Nicolaus-Cusanus-Gymnasium. The project, aimed at promoting sustainable transportation and healthier lifestyles among students, is focused on creating safe, efficient cycling routes to the school, enhancing infrastructure, and raising awareness about road safety.
Final Routes and Improvements
Several route proposals were developed based on a student survey, testing them at the beginning of July. The proposed routes include:
- Route A: Main Entrance via Lindenstraße - smooth pavement, well-lit, minor traffic intersections.
- Route B: Via Parkweg - scenic but includes a steep incline, requires improved signage.
- Route C: From West Side through Stadtpark - popular among students from the west, recently repaved.
Maps and detailed turn-by-turn directions were provided to students, emphasizing low-traffic streets and bike lanes where present.
To ensure safety, several improvements have been implemented:
- New Bike Lanes: Addition of dedicated bike lanes on Lindenstraße and Parkweg.
- Traffic-Calming Measures: Installation of speed bumps and “slow down” signs near school entrances.
- Improved Lighting: Enhanced street lamps on darker stretches of bike routes.
- Bike Parking Facilities: Expansion of covered bike racks at school to encourage secure parking.
- Educational Campaign: Workshops and materials on safe cycling practices.
Identified Hazardous Spots
Based on surveys and ride-alongs with students, several locations were highlighted as risky:
- Crossing at Marktstraße and Lindenstraße: High vehicle traffic, limited visibility.
- Sharp bend on Parkweg near the small bridge: Slippery when wet, no guardrails.
- Intersection at Hauptstraße and Westendstraße: Missing bike signals, complex traffic flow.
- Narrow sidewalk section near Stadtpark entrance: Shared with pedestrians, causing congestion.
Recommendations include adding clearer signage, improving road surface, and installing protective barriers at these points.
The final routes will be determined following an in-depth analysis, and potential hazardous spots along the routes will be recorded during the analysis. The project aims to promote safe and environmentally friendly bike commuting among students, contributing to sustainable mobility in the city and creating safe bike and school routes.
Ragnar Migenda, First Deputy Mayor of Bergisch Gladbach, emphasized the importance of continuing this format at the Nicolaus Cusanus Gymnasium. Collaboration between the city administration, school management, parent council, and student representation of the Nicolaus-Cusanus-Gymnasium is ongoing. The kick-off events for the project received a great response and marked the beginning of an intensive planning phase.
- As part of the "Bike to School" initiative, the school will implement sustainable living practices by offering home-and-garden workshops, teaching students skills for growing their own fruits and vegetables at home, and promoting energy-efficient lifestyle choices within the school community.
- The sustainability movement will extend beyond transportation to include home-and-garden areas, emphasizing sustainable living and fostering a lifestyle that respects the environment for the students and the community at Nicolaus-Cusanus-Gymnasium.
