The main committee has approved the city’s submission for 400,000 euros for cycle paths. City surveyor Helmut Wiesner said the money could unfortunately not be spent in 2016. “It is good that the money is still available for cycling.”

The money will not only be used to repair but also to widen cycle paths and to improve lighting. Bert Moll (CDU) thinks this is sensible because the bicycle will only become more important as a means of transport, “when the paths are continuously comfortable to ride on.”

Green party spokesman Peter Finger said: “As a passionate cyclist I think this is prudent, especially when the city wants to be a bicycle city.” Gabi Meyer (SPD) said: “We are delighted that the numerous defects on cycle paths will now finally be addressed.”

In a survey of the cycling environment in 2015, numerous routes were found to have surface damage and 65 had insufficient markings. These are now to be reviewed and a register of defects drawn up with a cost estimate for their repair. The administration is also considering whether money not yet spent on the planned bicycle station at platform one of the main train station can be used for bike path repairs. (Original text: Richard Bongartz and Philipp Königs. Translated by Kate Carey).