"RADschlag. Düsseldorf tritt an." (Cycling-friendly city Düsseldorf poised for action)

Düsseldorf is poised to become a cycling city. The city has launched a large-scale campaign entitled "RADschlag" and is introducing further improvements for cyclists as well as hosting the Grand Départ of the Tour de France taking place in Düsseldorf from 29 June to 2 July 2017 whose supporting programme will also include a "Race am Rhein" on 18 September 2016.

"RADschlag. Düsseldorf tritt an."

Lord Mayor Thomas Geisel commented: "I am convinced that the bicycle is a means of transport with a future. After all, it is quite often faster than the car and is also more ecological and needs less space. This is an important argument, particularly in a growing city like Düsseldorf."

So far, only about 14 percent of traffic in Düsseldorf is bicycle traffic - the aim is to increase this. This is why the Office for Traffic Management for the Federal State Capital Düsseldorf has now launched the campaign: "RADschlag. Düsseldorf tritt an." (cycling-friendly city Düsseldorf poised for action).

The Head of the Traffic Management Office Dr. Stephan Keller commented: "With this campaign, we want to make people change their way of thinking - and at the same time make it clear that Düsseldorf is not yet the perfect cycling-friendly city. We have already achieved quite a lot for cycling as a means of transport in Düsseldorf but there is still a lot left to do."

The key component of the campaign is the website www.duesseldorf.de/radschlag, which has already been launched with the new layout of the city website, and the RADschlag app, which provides information, cycling routes and touring navigation for all cyclists in the state capital. Both media also show the tourist attractions on the ten city tours and also all the relevant addresses for cycling enthusiasts such as bicycle dealers, repair shops, hire stations and electric bike stations.

There are also folding maps, cycling tour recommendations, posters, cinema advertising, cooperation arrangements with cycling dealers and institutions as well as promotions and events.

In addition to the promotional campaign to encourage people to start cycling, the "RADschlag" campaign also aims to improve conditions for cyclists in the state capital. After extending the citywide regional bicycle network (700 kilometres), the plan is now to implement the 300-kilometre-long main bicycle network with the help of local citizens and the cycle traffic group of experts which meets regularly, as well as the quick cycling route from Neuss via Düsseldorf to Monheim which has received an award from the state North Rhine-Westphalia. The construction of bike storage facilities and consistent signposting are also planned.

"Everyone is poised for action with "RADschlag" to improve cycling in Düsseldorf for citizens of all ages. The initiative should reach everyone and link together all those that want to take an active part in it - bicycle dealers, repair shops, hire and cycle stations, institutions, associations," said Head of the Traffic Management Office, Dr. Stephan Keller.

"With this initiative, we hope that the cycling enthusiasm generated by the Grand Départ 2017 in Düsseldorf will give our cycling campaign additional impetus", commented Lord Mayor Thomas Geisel. "Moreover, the attractive supporting programme will be focused entirely on the bicycle."

"Race am Rhein"

And the first highlight has already been revealed. Nine and a half months before the Grand Départ of the Tour de France 2017, a part of the second stage will be the setting for a cycling race for everyone.

On 18 September 2016, the "Race am Rhein" will start from the start/finish line on Berliner Allee, at Steinstrasse towards Neandertal and back. The cycling enthusiasts without a licence can choose between two distances: the one-lap distance (46km) is intended for beginners and occasional cyclists. There is a required minimum average speed of 25km/h. Ambitious hobby cyclists who want to test themselves against others on a secured route, can spurt towards the finish line after two laps (92km). These cyclists must be able to cycle at least 30km/h on average. These races with a genuine Grand Départ feel are open to all hobby and recreational cyclists. Entrants do not need to be a member of a cycling club however these minimum speeds must be reached.

In the morning (starting at 8:30 a.m. or 8:40 a.m.), around 350 of the best young cyclists in Germany will begin the U19 (2 laps) and U23 (3 laps) races. The races will count towards the overall national league rating.

The "Race am Rhein" will be staged by the sports club, SG Kaarst e. V. as part of the supporting programme for the Grand Départ Düsseldorf 2017 and organised by La Bici Sport Management GmbH in cooperation with the state capital Düsseldorf.

The well-established cycling race "Rund um die Kö" will take place at the same time as the "Race am Rhein". This race welcomes promising young cyclists and amateurs with a licence. A total of approx. 500 licenced cyclists are expected. The race will be hosted for the 47th time by the sports club, Radschläger Düsseldorf 1970 e.V.

So the 18.09.2016 will be a real cycling event day in the host city of the Grand Départ 2017.

Sven Teutenberg, Sporting Project Manager of the Grand Départ Düsseldorf 2017 commented: "It is the first time that a cycling race for everyone is taking place on part of the route of the Tour de France. I am sure it will be a fantastic experience for the cyclists and the spectators and will increase the appetite for the Grand Départ."

Further information on the Internet:
RADschlag at: www.duesseldorf.de/radschlag
Grand Départ at: www.duesseldorf.de/letour
Race am Rhein at: www.raceamrhein.de