New pictograms on the avenue

Highly visible bicycle pictograms have been applied to the carriageway at regular intervals along both directions of the L507 (Alleestraße).

The markings are intended to increase objective and subjective safety for cyclists and strengthen co-operation in road traffic. They make the shared use of the carriageway visible to all road users and promote mutual understanding and consideration in mixed traffic. In the parking lane area, the symbols have been moved further into the carriageway to take into account the so-called "dooring zone" - i.e. the safety distance that prevents accidents when vehicle doors are opened.

The original plan was to create a safety lane. However, the North Rhine-Westphalia road construction authority has pointed out that such a marking on the existing carriageway surface cannot be professionally implemented at present. A permanent realisation would only be possible in the course of a future road surface renovation.

With the pictograms that have now been installed, the town of Beckum has created an interim solution that will help to improve cycling safety in the short term. The basis for this is the current pictogram decree of the Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The symbols are purely indicative and do not change any existing traffic regulations - rather, they are intended to raise awareness of shared use of the carriageway.

An additional advantage is that cyclists - especially users of cargo bikes - can use the carriageway flexibly and safely, as there are no spatial restrictions. This further enhances Alleestraße as an important inner-city connecting axis and increases the overall attractiveness of cycling.

In the long term, it is planned to re-examine the marking of a hard shoulder as part of a future carriageway renovation.