The first stage is done, since the end of July the large community can officially call itself a bicycle-friendly community. It has been clear since the beginning of June that Vaterstetten will be included in the Working Group for Cycle-Friendly Municipalities in Bavaria (AGFK Bayern), and the membership certificate has now been handed over. However, the people of Vaterstetten are only there on a trial basis, for permanent membership the municipality must first present a cycle path concept in the coming years.
Nonetheless, the town hall is very pleased that the efforts of the community and the Mobility Turnaround working group are now bearing fruit, says Mayor Leonhard Spitzauer (CSU): “Currently, the issue of bike-friendliness is more important than ever,” said the mayor. “The distances in our community are short, so that many citizens, especially children and seniors, like to use their bikes. That’s why it’s very important to me to promote cycling and make it even more attractive for everyone.”
Many measures have already been implemented
The municipality refers to a number of measures that have made Vaterstetten more attractive for cyclists. For example, the lighting and signage for the cycle paths, which are also cleared by the winter service. In addition, new cycle paths would always be created in new construction areas, and bicycle-friendliness should be taken into account when planning applications are made. For this purpose, the parking space statute was adjusted so that parking spaces for bicycles are created. Even where no cycle paths are available or possible, one pays attention to bicycle-friendliness, for example by the fact that the speed limit is 30 km/h throughout the municipality and protective lanes for cyclists have been marked at the roadside. The connection between bicycles and local public transport will also be promoted, so you can take your bike on the bus and the stops will be made barrier-free. The municipality also encourages the private purchase of cargo bikes.
Poing and the district are already members
After Poing, the community of Vaterstetten is the second community in the district of Ebersberg to become a member of AGFK Bayern, and the district itself is also involved. In Vaterstetten, this is seen as recognition for what has been achieved so far in promoting cycling: for example, the town hall says that Vaterstetten has made a great contribution to the signage and lighting of the cycle paths and the clearing of the cycle paths by the municipal winter service. On July 18th, the membership certificate was handed over during a festive event. Leonhard Spitzauer, who has been campaigning for the project since July 2020, was unable to receive the certificate in person due to scheduling reasons. She was presented to District Administrator Robert Niedergesäß (CSU) on her behalf.
By the time of the next certification test in four years, the cycle traffic concept is to be expanded even more specifically and both the local and regional cycle path infrastructure is to be further improved. The mayor sees possible next steps, for example, the introduction of bike tours for new residents and “bike pumps” as service stations. The certificate only entitles you to permanent membership if you can prove that you have made progress. A total of 15 new member municipalities were admitted to the working group in July.