Letter to the editor – New Year’s wish from Copenhagen
In the Liechtenstein Mobility Concept 2030, the chapter “Sub-strategy for non-motorized traffic (LV) – pedestrian and bicycle traffic” states:
• The bicycle is integrated as a means of everyday transport.
• The main traffic axes in the village centers are designed to be safe and attractive for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Bicycle parking facilities will be created at public transport stops and in the village centres.
• The development areas are made accessible by bicycle and connected to the main route network.
• For traffic crossing the border, attractive, safe cycle paths located on the desired routes are offered.
That reads very nicely. The VCL’s New Year’s wish is: Politicians may be inspired by the new Swiss federal law on cycle paths and by the city of Copenhagen when it comes to implementation. Cindy Freudenthaler writes in the editorial of the “Info Bulletin 2/22” of the Swiss Veloconference: “However, and the example of Copenhagen reminds us, it is not always enough to influence the bicycle infrastructure alone. Mobility policy must be comprehensive: Promoting bicycles (or buses) therefore also means taking measures to make car journeys less attractive and efficient.”
Copenhagen will become the world’s best city for cyclists. By 2025, the proportion of journeys made by bicycle (work and school) should reach 50 percent; Reality 2014 = 43 percent. With us, this proportion is only 2 to 3 percent per year! According to Oliver Dreyer in the same “Info Bulletin”, the City of Copenhagen’s strategy is based on the following approaches:
• Make driving conditions and all inner-city destinations more difficult or even impossible for MIV.
• Deteriorate the parking situation for cars.
• In return, improve the situation for bicycle traffic (and for pedestrian and public transport).
Acceptance of such bold thinking requires us to launch a broad campaign for the benefits of walking and cycling. The VCL wishes the resulting increase in the quality of life of the Liechtenstein population.
Board of Directors of the Traffic Club
Liechtenstein (VCL)