New cycle lanes on the Blue Wonder in Dresden

Rush-hour traffic rolled across the new cycle lanes on the Blue Wonder in Dresden for the first time on Monday morning. Despite the new division of the traffic area, there were initially no accidents, said a police spokesperson. The impact of the change on traffic is being monitored as part of a traffic trial. The first figures on the new travel times are expected to be published on Friday, as the state capital announced on Monday. The traffic trial will run until June 16 and will be closely monitored during its duration.

The marking work for the new cycle lanes was carried out on Sunday evening - with a delay of six months. The cycle path was actually supposed to be painted red in the fall. This was canceled at short notice due to poor weather forecasts. The project is controversial because it eliminates a car lane. According to the city, the marking work and the associated conversion of a traffic light cost around 70,000 euros. The Blue Wonder is one of the best-known bridges over the Elbe.

According to the city, dangerous situations between pedestrians and cyclists used to occur there time and again. Cyclists repeatedly swerved onto the footpath due to the lack of a cycle path. "I hope that the cycle lanes will be successfully installed and that we will create a safe and good infrastructure for all road users," said Transport Mayor Stephan Kühn (Greens) according to the press release. In the first few days, some people will probably have to get used to the new traffic situation.