Household: DVR criticizes cuts in cycling at the expense of safety

The German Road Safety Council (DVR) has also massively criticized the cuts in cycling promotion in the federal budget. These cuts come at the expense of road safety.

“The promotion of cycling infrastructure by the federal government is a very important instrument for increasing road safety. Making cuts here is not compatible with Vision Zero: Cyclists do not have a crumple zone and need traffic guidance that protects them as best as possible. The federal government had taken responsibility for this with the funding program 'City and Country' and should continue to do so," criticizes DVR President Manfred Wirsch.

Due to the reduction of special funds from the previous legislative period, significantly fewer funds are available for cycling promotion according to the budget law 2024 presented last year than in previous years. Following the proposal of the Federal Minister of Finance, also approved last week, the central funding program will shrink by a further 44 million euros. Additionally, the promotion of bicycle parking facilities at train stations will cease. A particular feature of these funding programs is that the disbursement of funds takes several years – from planning to construction implementation. However, a recent parliamentary inquiry into the committed funds has shown that the program is in high demand.