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Berlin authorities, environmentalists demand more pop-up bike lanes to ensure safety

Berlin, Sep 16 (EFE), (Camera: Gemma Casadevall).- Local authorities and environmentalists are pushing for more designated bicycle zones in Berlin as an increasing number of the German capital’s residents turn to the mode of transport despite efforts from the political right to slam the brakes on the initiative. Generally flat and free of traffic jams, Berlin is already one of Europe’s most bike-friendly cities and offers some 650 kilometers of bicycle paths and lanes for those who prefer to commute or burn calories on two wheels. “There has been a strong increase in (bicycle) users in recent months. It’s no myth, the figures are verifiable,” René Filippek, from the German Cyclist’s Association (ADFC), the largest such affiliation in the country, tells Efe. A year ago there were around 1.8 million cyclists in Berlin, a city of 3.7 million, but that figure has since increased by 26.5 percent to 2.2 million, according to the local government. FOOTAGE OF PEOPLE USING BICYCLES IN BERLIN. SOUNDBITES OF:-RENÉ FILIPPEK, GERMAN CYCLIST’S ASSOCIATION (ADFC): 1. "There has been a strong increase in (bicycle) users in recent months. It’s no myth, the figures are verifiable."2. "If there are more bicycles out there, including those who ride on the sidewalk, of course it can lead to them becoming narrower. The idea to generate more space is not to become a detriment to pedestrians but to cars. This is the stated political goal of many cities."-RANGHILD SOERENSEN, MEMBER OF CHANGING CITIES:3. "The question will go to the next instance. I’m quite optimistic. I don’t believe the ruling will be upheld because that would have implications for the creation of bike lanes across Germany. It’s unthinkable, it would be a nightmare."