Cycling group ProVelo has criticised the closure of key bike paths around Glacis square during the Schueberfouer, warning that with no safe detours provided, cyclists are left exposed to dangerous traffic.
Cycling advocacy group ProVelo has come out to criticise the removal of the bike path around Glacis square for the Schueberfouer, pointing out that no safe detour has been offered to cyclists, with the space now occupied by fair rides and food stalls.
"This isn't the first year this has happened", says Monique Goldschmidt, president of ProVelo. The bike paths on Allée Scheffer and along the tram stop toward the city are closed. "They’ve been blocked since 30 July, right when the Schueberfouer was set up. This cuts off the only bike connection from Lampertsbierg to the city and Kirchberg," she adds.
During the fair, no detours are provided, and signs simply instruct cyclists to dismount and walk along the tram or bus stop.
ProVelo already has solutions. "The simplest would be to reduce the size of the Schueberfouer and keep the bike path open, especially in the city centre. On Allée Scheffer, one lane for cars could be closed. Why should all those cars, which basically end up in a dead end, be funneled through?” asks Goldschmidt.
Riding directly in traffic where the bike path is blocked would be extremely dangerous, she added.
Overall, progress is being made in expanding bike paths across the country, but significant gaps remain, emphasises Goldschmidt. One particularly dangerous spot, in her view, is the intersection of Avenue Marie Thérèse and the new bridge, where cars turn right while cyclists go straight from the city.
"If a cyclist isn't completely vigilant about checking for cars turning from the right, you're at serious risk", stresses Goldschmidt. Despite a serious accident at this location a few months ago, the City of Luxembourg has yet to make it safer.
The ProVelo president believes improvements are possible, but the typical response remains: cyclists just need to pay more attention. More broadly, cycling in the capital remains uncomfortable for anyone who isn't confident riding in traffic, she further asserted.
