Where commuter traffic normally backs up, cyclists cavort on Sunday. Tens of thousands of signed sheets of paper are to reach Wiesbaden via the closed Autobahn 66, where they will be handed over to the Minister of Transport.
Frankfurt/Wiesbaden (dpa/lhe) - Organizers and supporters want to bring collected signatures for the planned referendum on traffic change to Wiesbaden with a bicycle parade across the autobahn. From Frankfurt it should go to the Hessian state capital next Sunday - the A648 and the A66 will be closed for this. 5,000 to 10,000 participants are expected. The sheets of paper with the signatures are transported on cargo bikes.
On Sunday morning (11:00 a.m.) a festival with stands and live music begins at the Reisinger-Anlagen opposite Wiesbaden Central Station. The Hessian Economics and Transport Minister Tarek Al-Wazir (Greens) is to receive the signatures in the afternoon.
The aim of the referendum is a traffic turning law, with which mobility in Hesse is to be made climate-neutral and socially just by 2030. Cycle paths, footpaths and, above all, buses and trains are to be greatly expanded. The feedback was very positive throughout Hesse, said Ansgar Hegerfeld, a representative of the "Hessen Traffic Turnaround" initiative. The mood is optimistic given the support of the population.
A bicycle rally from Friedberg, Hanau and Darmstadt is to lead to the starting point of the motorway section at the Frankfurt Trade Fair. It is around 36 kilometers from the trade fair to Wiesbaden via the autobahn and subsequent federal highways. The speed should be set at a maximum of 15 kilometers per hour in such a way that less sporty cyclists, families with children and older people can also take part. Participants should also be able to join them on the route via motorway ramps.
The collection of signatures began almost a year ago in early September 2021. The initiators include the General German Bicycle Club (ADFC), the pedestrian association Fuss and the Radentscheide Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Kassel and Offenbach.
Almost 44,000 signatures are needed. The decision on the approval of the referendum is made by the state returning officer. Another signature campaign could then begin. If this is successful, the state parliament must deal with the proposed law. If the law is not passed, a referendum is possible.
