Construction of Lindwormstraat commences
In a significant development for the city of Munich, the construction project on Lindwurmstraße, a notorious hotspot for accidents and conflicts between drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, has officially commenced. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Mayor Dominik Krause, Building Director Jeanne-Marie Ehbauer, Georg Koch - a long-time advocate for the project, and numerous other city councilors, cycling activists, and residents.
Georg Koch, who has been advocating for this change for over a year and a half, expressed his satisfaction with the start of the project. He shared that everyone interviewed supports the construction, which aims to create a bike lane in both directions on one lane of the street, with the hope that this will reduce conflicts and make Lindwurmstraße less of a battleground.
In the past few years, Lindwurmstraße has seen 133 accidents, resulting in 12 serious injuries. With this in mind, the new bike lane is scheduled to be completed by September 19, 2024.
Mayor Krause cited statistics showing a 35% decrease in car traffic and a 70% increase in bicycle traffic on Lindwurmstraße between 2011 and 2022. This trend suggests that the construction project could lead to even more cyclists choosing Lindwurmstraße as their route, further improving the street's safety.
The initial plan for a major renovation of Lindwurmstraße had to be shelved due to the city's poor financial situation. However, the reduced cost of the construction project, now estimated at 1.6 million, has made it possible to move forward with the first phase.
Looking beyond the completion of the bike lane, future plans include further traffic renovation aimed at improving the street's capacity for increased foot and bike traffic. This is particularly relevant in the context of major events like the Wiesn (Oktoberfest) foot traffic surge next month. While specific detailed phases beyond the bike lane construction are not explicitly outlined in the current information, it is clear that the city is committed to enhancing pedestrian and cyclist facilities along Lindwurmstraße to accommodate heavy usage.
In addition, Munich residents will have the opportunity to vote on the future of traffic turnarounds, including Lindwurmstraße, in the municipal elections in spring 2026. This suggests that the ongoing revamp of Lindwurmstraße is part of a broader mobilization to enhance traffic flow and safety on the street.
At the press conference, Georg Koch opted for a more casual celebration, packing cans of radler, beer, and spezi instead of sparkling wine. The project on Lindwurmstraße has finally begun, marking a step towards a safer and more bike-friendly city.
[1] For precise, phased plans beyond the bike lane construction, such as road layout changes, traffic signal upgrades, or parking adjustments, those specifics may not yet be publicly disclosed or were not included in the most recent updates.
- The construction project on Lindwurmstraße, which aims to create a bike lane and reduce conflicts, is supported by various stakeholders in the city's finance, industry, and transportation sectors, as it is expected to improve the street's safety.
- With the completion of the bike lane and future plans for traffic renovation, Munich is hoping to attract more cyclists and pedestrians, potentially improving the city's industry and economy by enhancing mobility and safety.
