FE 03.648/2024/ORB (R 2603/24) "Evaluation procedure for the dimensioning of joint, road-side cycle and footpaths outside built-up areas"

Cycling and walking are the most climate-friendly and environmentally sound modes of transport. In 2024, a total of 129,374 people were involved in accidents outside built-up areas. Of these, cyclists accounted for approximately 8.7% and pedestrians for approximately 1.1%. Despite the relatively low proportion of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians, it should be noted that studies suggest that the number of unreported accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists can be high. Outside built-up areas, joint paths for pedestrians and cyclists make up a large proportion of the total network, mostly designated as shared paths (StVO sign 240) for two-way traffic. A minimum standard width of 2.5 m is recommended for these paths in the basic network, with application limits depending on the volume of pedestrian and cycle traffic (see ERA, FGSV). The principles for the construction and financing of cycle paths on federal roads, which are the responsibility of the federal government, already contain an opening clause for greater widths. However, objective evaluation criteria for when additional width is justified and economically viable do not yet exist. The aim of this research project is to identify criteria for the need for additional widths beyond the current standard width, depending on local conditions, and to compile relevant criteria with their practical impact, thus forming a basis for an examination of the economic viability of additional widths as required by the BHO. The additional needs should be prepared based on traffic safety, economic viability, but also by incorporating further criteria (e.g., comfort, route choice, traffic volume/composition/increase, land use, environmental costs). Starting from the standard widths of joint road-side paths outside built-up areas, needs-based design recommendations are to be prepared depending on local conditions.