“The mobility transition will not be decided in Berlin alone, it needs offers for rural areas. People on the spot are often further ahead than politicians and would like to cycle more. Where it is possible, people have long since used the bike,“ states Wasilis von Rauch, CEO of Zukunft Fahrrad. “Local authorities benefit from regional jobs and the creation of value in these areas. Baden-Wuerttemberg with its strong engineering technology, can become a model region when it comes to the transformation of the mobility industry. Major car manufacturers are here at home as well as global market leaders and international players from the cycle industry.”
Silke Gericke, member of Baden-Wuerttemberg’s Landtag explained in a welcoming address at the beginning what Baden-Wuerttemberg’s Ministry of Transport is doing to make cycling more attractive in recognition of the industry's relevance and how important a comprehensive network of cycle paths across state borders is. Her group is also committed to the important amendment of the German road traffic regulations (StVO).
Gericke introduced the evening together with Guenter Riemer, Mayor of Kirchheim unter Teck and Chairman of AGFK (Work Group Cycle and Pedestrian-Friendly Communities in Baden-Wuerttemberg) and the Mayor of Ludwigsburg, Andrea Schwarz. There was agreement among the politicians about the need of a strong narrative of the transformation industry to get everyone from local authorities to the federal government on board for more sustainable mobility in urban and rural areas.
Baden-Wuerttemberg is home to major companies of the cycle industry and has great ambitions. Christoph Erdmenger, Head of the Sustainable Mobility Department at Baden-Wuerttemberg’s Ministry of Transport, presented in a short keynote speech the state government's most important projects including the goal of reducing car traffic in cities by 50 per cent.
“We are happy about the great response and the exciting dialogue with so many stakeholders from the region. Our members are working in the field on the mobility transition; their commitment and expertise are the drivers of the transformation,” says von Rauch. Zukunft Fahrrad’s first spring reception took place at Zedler-Institut that is founding member of the association. Participants were able to take a look behind the scenes, where bicycles and components are tested thoroughly in the test laboratory using state-of-the-art technology developed in-house. The company building is certified as climate-positive and visitors can find out more about 200 years of bicycle history in an exhibition.
Founder Dirk Zedler, chairman of Zukunft Fahrrad: “Baden-Wuerttemberg belongs to the states leading in technology and innovation and is simply worth living in with attractive job opportunities. That’s what it has in common with the cycle industry. If too little is happening for cycling on the national level, the states must lead the way. What is needed now is a pioneering spirit instead of waiting for everyone to join in.”
The photo shows the board from left to right: Dirk Zedler, Uwe Huesch, Peter Huerter, Silke Gericke, Andrea Schwarz, Mareike Rauchhaus, Dorothee Heine, Guenter Riemer, Wasilis von Rauch.
Source: press release zukunft-fahrrad.org
Photo: DH_Zedler-Institut
