Conflicts on the Flakenfließbrücke: cyclists, pedestrians and the solution!

Conflicts on the Flakenfließbrücke: cyclists, pedestrians and the solution!

In Erkner, the signs are on construction site: Since March 17, 2025, the Flakenfließbrücke has been closed to motorized traffic. This applies to a period of around 1.5 years until October 2026, while comprehensive renovation work is carried out on the bridge and the adjacent infrastructure. Friedrichstrasse, an important traffic route of the city, is completely closed, and not without consequences. As reports [rbbb24] (https://www.rbb24.de/panorama/2025/03/erkner-strassensporgung-bau-bau-bau-stau-stau-sanierung-bruecke- orsprree- or

The city needed the renovation work to re -design the infrastructure, which not only includes the bridge itself, but also cycling lanes and barrier -free bus stops. Overall, the construction work will cost 4.2 million euros, with the city of Erkner participating in the costs with over 1 million euros. A detour via Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße is set up, but fears that this could lead to long traffic jams in through traffic.

cyclists and pedestrians in conflict

A completely different problem shows itself on the bridge itself: cycling and walking must share a narrow sidewalk. More and more cyclists ignore the "descending" signs, which leads to conflict and discomfort among pedestrians, especially in the elderly and users of walkers. This reported MOZ.de and made it clear that the city, police and citizens are looking for solutions together. Various measures are discussed, including traffic controls and creative suggestions from citizens.

An idea comes from Daniela Kant, who suggests a poster campaign to draw the situation in a friendly and respectful way to cycling city dwellers. She also moderates an internet debate in which suggestions are collected to improve the situation. The discussions not only take place online, but also at events of the Erkneran Mittelstandsverein, where citizens are actively asked to increase security on the streets.

Citizen participation and control

In these citizens' debates, there is a wide range of opinions and experiences. In fact, a participating citizen reports a positive experience after pointing out others to the signs. The police have already carried out numerous traffic controls, but faces the challenge of not being able to maintain these controls continuously.

The situation in Erkner makes it clear that a good hand is required for infrastructure projects in order to take into account the needs of all road users. Regardless of the restrictions, citizens are ready to work for safe street solutions and show that there is a strong community in the city that works together on solutions.