Schwetzingen relies on sustainable mobility: bicycle traffic expansion 2030!

Schwetzingen relies on sustainable mobility: bicycle traffic expansion 2030!

Schwetzingen, Deutschland - On June 26, 2025, the municipal council of Schwetzingen took a pioneering step towards sustainable mobility. Since 2018, the city has been a member of the Working group bicycle and pedestrian-friendly municipalities in Baden-Württemberg (AGFK e.V.) , which has set itself the goal of promoting a foot and bicycle-friendly community. The Council meeting unanimously took note of the AGFK vision 2030 and decided to expand foot and bike traffic.

As in the press release of the Speyer Kuriers , this vision came into force on July 1, 2023 and is supported by a quality stamp. Six “milestones” were defined to achieve these goals, including the structure of attractive networks for foot and bicycle traffic as well as mentality change in the administration. The integration of schools and political actors is also the focus of creating a common awareness of the advantages of active mobility.

positive development and planned measures

The first evaluation by the AGFK in the summer of 2024 found a positive development in Schwetzingen. This includes the implementation of the cycling concept and the commitment to the Heidelberg - Schwetzingen cycle path. The security measures for school routes are also enjoying growing attention, which shows that the city has increasing awareness of sustainable mobility.

To further achieve the AGFK quality level, various measures are planned. A foot traffic concept is to be created, the cost of which is 50 percent eligible. Furthermore, the vision is firmly anchored in the city administration and regular participation in network events is planned to promote exchange and cooperation.

bike rental system is extended

Another highlight of the session was the decision to extend the bicycle rental system in Schwetzingen, which will continue until 2027. The contract with VRNTNEXTBIKE, which runs until December 31, 2025, will be transferred to a transition phase until February 28, 2027. The total budget for this measure amounts to 57,456 euros. From March 1, 2027, the system will continue under the name "Vrnrad" with an annual budget of around 36,000 euros for the next eight years.

The bicycle rental system, which has been in operation since 2018 and comprises 14 stations with at least 50 bicycles, is enjoying increasing popularity. The loan figures have increased by remarkable 34 percent, which underlines the positive response of the Schwetzingen population on the initiative.

Financial challenges and annual financial statements Bellamar

The local council also found the annual financial statements of Bellamar's own business for 2023. Unfortunately, a deficit of 437,480.45 euros had to be taken into account, which is covered from the urban budget. The annual financial statements were thoroughly examined by a trust company and the auditing office, so that the decisions were largely taken unanimously.

The developments in Schwetzingen clearly show that the city is on the right track to create sustainable mobility. Against the background of the nationwide initiatives, such as the establishment of AGFK Germany , the efforts of the municipality are part of a larger context that is supposed to bundle the expertise of over 1,000 cities and municipalities and strengthen the interests of the municipalities at foot and bike traffic at federal level.

For the further implementation of future-oriented mobility concepts, according to the findings of the Goslar Institute be. With the right information, mobility behavior can be analyzed and contemporary solutions for resource -saving mobility can be developed. This could not only increase the attractiveness of public transport, but also make a decisive contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.