Compromise to the bicycle road: Gmünd is facing a crucial choice!

Compromise to the bicycle road: Gmünd is facing a crucial choice!

Schwäbisch Gmünd, Deutschland - in Schwäbisch Gmünd it is currently bubbling: A controversial discussion about the bicycle road on the Klarenberg could trigger the first citizens' vote in the 21st century. On Thursday evening, a working group met to find a compromise and discuss the controversial points. The exchange lasted three hours and produced a new proposal from the city administration, but the final word has not yet been spoken, as the reported.

In this proposal, three central points play a role: First of all, improvements for pedestrians and cyclists on Unteren Zeiselbergstrasse should take place, whereby the right of way for Gutenbergstrasse remains. In addition, the goal is clear: Almost all parking spaces on Klarenbergstrasse should be preserved, and parking on sidewalks should be allowed. However, the implementation is subject to the financing, which depends on funding commitments by the state and the federal government.

compromise or citizens' decision?

The responsible confidants of the citizens' request, including Elke Hampp, Nicole Will and Kevin Kärcher, are faced with a difficult decision. You have to check whether a portable compromise is possible or whether the citizens' decision, which is scheduled for October 19, actually comes to the vote. The feedback from the trustees and the municipal council representative to Mayor Richard Arnold is due until Tuesday, July 15th. This is how the Social-ecologically left .

If a agreement is achieved, the proposal could be presented on Wednesday for preliminary draft planning. On July 23, the municipal council has the opportunity to finally advise on the topic. In the event of negative feedback, however, the citizens' decision will be prepared, which should cost around 130,000 euros - an amount that is not too easy to find in the urban budget.

Political Marginalia

The discussion is characterized by the position of the CDU, which, as the largest faction in the local council, is critical of the bicycle road with 16 seats and questions its meaningfulness. SPD City Councilor Maren Zengerle, on the other hand, urges an amicable solution to avoid the citizens' decision. If this does not succeed, the initiators of the citizens' request remains the opportunity to record the application for withdrawal in writing if a compromise is achieved.

The situation in Schwäbisch Gmünd is part of a larger trend that shows itself in many German cities: more and more citizens are actively committed to better cycling infrastructure. Over 50 "Radscheat" have already been organized in Germany, with over one million collected signatures. Initiatives such as those in Schwäbisch Gmünd could result in real changes in mobility policy, as well as the ADFC .

How the situation will develop in the coming days remains exciting to observe. The deadline for the feedback from the trustees is approaching, and the hope of a mutually acceptable result is on the brink.