Speed limit and new markings aim to make Chiemgaustraße rail underpass safer for cyclists and pedestrians

The City of Munich has introduced a series of measures to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians on Chiemgaustraße, along a stretch of roughly 200 metres at the railway underpass. They include a reduced speed limit, new and altered signs, road markings and an extended run of cycle symbols on the carriageway, intended to reduce conflict where bikes share the road with other traffic. The city says pedestrians will also benefit, as the changes are meant to discourage illegal cycling on footpaths reserved for people on foot.

Because space is tight at the underpass, the cycle paths along Chiemgaustraße between Schwanseestraße and Pfälzer-Wald-Straße or Aschauer Straße are interrupted on both sides. Cyclists have to move onto the carriageway of the Mittlerer Ring, alongside cars and heavy goods vehicles, to reduce conflicts with pedestrians in the underpass. Deutsche Bahn is expected to renovate the underpass in the medium to long term and improve conditions for all road users, but the new measures are meant to ease the situation now.

On the south side, for traffic heading east, a 30 km/h limit is in place. In addition, the marked lane guiding cyclists from the cycle path into general traffic has been lengthened and the centre line of the lanes adjusted to match. The point where cyclists join the cycle path has been improved with new markings and a lowered kerb, and the chain of cycle symbols on the carriageway has been marked or extended.

On the north side, for westbound traffic, the 30 km/h limit now also applies, so that cyclists can merge safely into traffic where the cycle path ends. The footpath between Pfälzer-Wald-Straße and Perlacher Weg has been opened to cyclists as far as the railway underpass, with a walking-pace limit. A 'cyclists dismount' sign has been put up at the narrow point inside the underpass, and symbols for pedestrians and cyclists on the footpath show that the route is shared but not compulsory for cyclists. The cycle symbols on the carriageway have also been marked or extended on this side.

The city's Mobility Department and Building Department said the work responds to requests and suggestions from residents, the district committee and the city council to improve road safety on Chiemgaustraße, and was carried out with modest resources. The Mobility Department said it continues to develop walking and cycling infrastructure across Munich, guided by the city's Vision Zero policy, which aims for no deaths or serious injuries on the roads.