City of Offenbach draws a positive balance: Cycling is safe on one-way streets

Last year, the city of Offenbach opened up numerous one-way streets in the Bieber and Bürgel districts for cycling in the opposite direction in order to provide cyclists with a safe and direct route. Mayor and Head of Mobility Sabine Groß explains: "It is important to me to make cycling in Offenbach safer and more attractive". One-way streets without clearance often force cyclists to take long detours or risky alternative routes, which can compromise road safety. "We implemented this measure with great care," says Groß, looking back. "Road safety was always our top priority. All road sections were carefully checked before being opened to ensure safe use for all road users. The feedback from cyclists has been consistently positive."

In addition, extensive marking and signage measures were carried out to increase road safety and mutual consideration. A survey of the police revealed that no accidents have been recorded in connection with the new traffic regulations since they were introduced. The opening of one-way streets for cycling is based on the Road Traffic Act (StVO), which was amended in 2021 and obliges municipalities to allow cyclists to cycle in the opposite direction, provided that, among other things, the road width is sufficient and a speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour applies.

In addition to creating new and more efficient cycle routes, the measure also contributes to better mutual awareness in road traffic. Experience shows that increased visibility of cyclists increases the attention of motorists and thus improves the safety of all road users.

The experience in Offenbach is consistent with the results of a study by the Federal Highway Research Institute(BASt - Reports by BASt - Road safety in one-way streets with opposing cycle traffic (opens in a new tab)) and one by the German Insurance Association(bicycle lanes and one-way streets (opens in a new tab)).

There are no disadvantages for motorized traffic as a result of this regulation. The lane width has been dimensioned to ensure safe coexistence.

Despite the positive feedback, the City of Offenbach will continue to monitor the situation closely. The exchange with the police and citizens will continue in order to take further measures to improve road safety if necessary.