Around 70 cyclists in reflective vest of ADFC and interested citizens drove off part of a planned “Radschnellweg OWL” of Minden and Herford to Bad Oeynhausen
In a “rally” inquired around 70 cyclists of ADFC Minden-Lübbecke and interested citizens on June 4, 2016 sections of the planned “Radschnellweg OWL”. Cities and counties elucidated during and at the finish of the cycling tour of the project and stayed with the participants on the condition of the bike paths.
To a public bike ride on Saturday invited a participating project partners Minden, Bad Oeynhausen, Porta Westfalica, wages and Herford. Participants could either start their journey in Minden or Herford – common goal was Bad Oeynhausen.
It started on road traffic office in Minden, where the urban bicycle commissioner of the town of Bad Oeynhausen, Linda Noack, welcomed the guests and vests presented with the blue logo project “Radschnellweg OWL”. Around 25 cyclists were waiting for the start – among them Petra Rehling of the Department of Traffic Planning of Minden, an impression gave themselves by the participants:
“The Minden group was very mixed. The youngest participant was two years old and was taken away along with his sister by the father in the family bike ‘. The oldest participant with 79 years had flown in from Bierde, to learn about the Radschnellweg. The bikes were very different – was driven, among other things on touring bikes, a bike, on pedelecs, a cargo bike and a family bike “.
What she did not know: Even “Jojo”, drummer and a member of a rock band and voluntary background actor of October News, which accompanied our editor on many of its report trips, was there – and probably the only driver with a (1982) Road. had the choice to Minden not just looking for a bike ride, but is particularly interested personally for planning route.
When he was then asked, “You are an interested cyclists or club member?” He was noisy and heard talking to other participants that the overwhelming number of participants the ADFC (German Bicycle Club) members of the district association Minden-Lübbecke, the known to significantly support the project.
In Herford started about 45 people. So did about 70 cyclists, estimated “Jojo”, on the way to Bad Oeynhausen. Along the Weser soon became clear that the way to most road sections would be too small, so the city Minden. Because in addition to other cycling groups also some inline skaters and pedestrians would use the path, so often have to be slowed down. Also revealed due to passing that the existing conditions for a Radschnellweg are not yet sufficient.
Similar experiences made the group well on the road bike paths and accompanying to the intersections with traffic lights, the city of Minden on. Use with duty cycle paths were sometimes so narrow that it would not be sufficient for a cargo bike or family bike and the adjacent walkway was shared. Also showing in the practical test that the group at the intersections often could not traverse together within a green phase. That would be to the fact that the green lights were too short and, secondly, that a maximum of seven cyclists with reflective tape have the same space on the traffic islands.
During the two and a half hour tour three breaks were inserted, in which – in addition brought cold drinks and home-baked muffins and cakes – directions of the municipalities and the engineering firm responsible informed about the approximately 30 million devouring project and were available to answer questions. Because of the 36-kilometer, scheduled Radschnellweg of Minden on Bad Oeynhausen and wages up to Herford encounters not everybody on consent.
So was “Jojo” as appalled by the testimony of a participant, “but here is plenty of room.” What was meant, that is in the middle through the cornfields of Radschnellweg. From one of the speakers, he learned that this construction project would be determined by the FO (Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe) like that. Finally, at the announcement of the results of the feasibility study end in January 2016 was the part of the planners already provided that basic acquisitions of five to six hectares would need.
Some questions also remained open, for example, when to begin the actual planning or even with the construction. This could not answer the representatives of the authorities, the city Minden continues. Also a portfolio with plans and sketches could be indeed consulted, but wanted to give you do not – you referred to the website of the town of Bad Oeynhausen, where you can download everything. While this is a bit confusing, but if you “ransacked”, you find all the information, so the planners.
Finally, all cyclists and cyclists arrived in Bad Oeynhausen at the destination Inowroclaw. Shortly before the finish, however, an older participant on Minden Street / height Werre Park crashed due to extended ruts. But it would be nothing bad happens, she was unharmed. Ultimately, all participants exchanged here from over the distance traveled. It was also pointed out that the cyclists have been insured on the way, on the way back, not because a common return tour was not provided. The safety vest everyone could keep as a souvenir.
“With the already started feasibility study for Radschnellweg OWL a sound planning basis would be created. It now lies with the politicians, to work for the promotion of cycling and thus to confess to an environmentally friendly transport policy “, explained the project partners.

Participating cities and counties wish that the vote is positive and the Radschnellweg OWL an important step is taken in the future of cycling, the city Minden submitted their final report.