Mobility in Bochum: Focus on Cycling, Accessibility, and Climate Protection

Mobility in Focus: Cycling, Safety, and Climate Protection in Bochum

In February 2026, several central topics in the field of mobility were on the agenda in Bochum, with both practical and strategic implications for the city's transportation policy. Particularly noteworthy are the initiatives aimed at improving cycling safety, creating barrier-free traffic routes, and integrating climate protection goals into urban planning.

Cycling Safety: Wittener Straße and Springorumtrasse

The Wittener Straße section between Alte Wittener Straße and Ümminger Straße is a central project that was further concretized in February 2026. Plans include the construction of a two-way cycle path with a minimum width of 3.00 meters and a cycle lane on the southern side of the road. The goal is to make Veloroute 2 between the city center and Langendreer safer and more attractive. To achieve this, one motorized individual traffic (MIV) lane will be removed, resulting in a significant redistribution of road space.

Another focus was the Springorumtrasse, a long-standing hazardous location. Here, cyclists, including many children, often cross the street with incorrect assumptions about right of way. It is therefore proposed to make existing traffic signs clearer or to give priority to cyclists in order to increase safety for all road users.

Barrier-Free Development: Stops, Pedestrian and Cycle Paths

Barrier-free accessibility was also a central topic in several proposals. For example, the barrier-free development of the Gahlensche Straße stop was approved. The central island will be redesigned, and the cycle lane will be extended into the intersection area. In addition, new tactile guidance elements and barrier-free curbs have been installed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

For 2026, it is also planned to continue the development of barrier-free stops in order to reach the goal of 30 stops per year again. According to the city, the development rate at the end of 2025 was 59 percent. In the coming years, a total of 32 stops are planned for development, including some in connection with street reconstruction projects.

Climate Protection and Mobility Management

As part of Bochum's climate protection strategy, a climate check was carried out for various projects. The goal is to consider climate impacts and measures for climate adaptation in city decisions. For example, the reconstruction of cycle paths on Wittener Straße is positively evaluated as it can change the modal split and reduce noise. In addition, measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt the transport infrastructure to climatic changes are planned.

Another project reported in February 2026 is the Operational Mobility Management (BMM) at MARK 51°7. The aim was to promote sustainable mobility solutions for companies and employees. Workshops, information events, and action days were held. The project was completed in November 2025 and showed that BMM in industrial areas is associated with specific challenges, but also offers potential for cross-company cooperation.

Outlook: Challenges and Opportunities

Bochum's mobility policy in February 2026 clearly shows that the city is focusing on a sustainable shift in mobility. The main areas of focus are the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, barrier-free accessibility, and the integration of climate protection goals into urban planning. While there are challenges such as delays in implementing parking space concepts or a lack of funding models for mobility solutions in industrial areas, the planned measures show a clear path towards smarter, climate-friendly, and more inclusive mobility.

The coming months will show whether the ambitions can be implemented in practice – and how the mobility transition in Bochum will further develop.