Velbert's Mobility Strategy, March 2026: Progress, Challenges, and Visions

Velbert: Mobility Strategy in March 2026 – Between Progress and Conflict Resolution

Mobility planning in Velbert is a central topic of discussion in council meetings, administrative bodies, and among the population in March 2026. The city has set a long-term goal of promoting low-emission, user-oriented mobility that aligns with the climate goals of the state and the EU. The focus is on expanding public transport, strengthening cycling and walking, and reducing motorized individual transport (MIV).

Progress in Transport Development Planning

The Integrated Transport Development Plan (IVP) is currently being updated to adapt to current challenges. The aim is to achieve a modal split of 18% for cycling, 29% for walking, 15% for public transport, and 37% for MIV by 2045. Key measures include calming motor vehicle traffic in residential areas, strengthening public transport, and expanding the cycle path network.

A particular focus is on the redesign of the inner-city traffic ring. After the rejection of the cycle street by the Düsseldorf Regional Council, an alternative is being examined: a contraflow cycle lane with a speed limit of 30 km/h. However, the implementation of these measures is limited due to the earmarking of funding until 2035 or 2040.

In March 2026, a status report on the IVP was presented, providing an overview of progress and defining the timetable and goals for the next steps.

Investments in Road Construction and Infrastructure

In addition to strategic planning, concrete construction projects are also underway. The Technical Operations Velbert (TBV) are carrying out road construction projects in various districts, including the renewal of Breslauer Straße under the Local Government Charges Act (KAG NRW). The street is in condition class 3, and a complete reconstruction is required.

Another project is the renewal and widening of the Bonsfelder Straße bridge by StraßenNRW, which will be completed by mid-2026. This will require the removal of trees, which is controversial in the public. At the same time, pedestrian crossings are being installed at the intersection of Am Kostenberg/Bartelskamp to improve traffic safety in the school area.

In Velbert-Mitte, the redesign of the traffic ring has become a focal point. The east and west sides of the ring will be adapted to different types of traffic, with the west side to include protected cycle lanes. These measures are part of a broader traffic plan aimed at relieving the Friedrich-Ebert-Straße.

Public Transport, Cycling, and Climate Protection

Public transport is also being strengthened. The city plans to enhance public transport through improvements at stops, more bus lines, and better connections to the cycle path network. In the climate protection sub-concept, eight action areas have been defined, including the creation of cycle lanes, crossing facilities, and bike parking spaces.

The share of cycling has increased in recent years from about 2% to 5%. Important measures such as the connection of the Panoramaradweg to the city center and the closure of gaps in the cycle path network have contributed to this. In March 2026, a mobility working group is established to discuss solutions for the next steps and plan measures.

Challenges and Conflicts

Despite the progress, there are also challenges. The rejection of the cycle street by the Düsseldorf Regional Council led to delays and necessary compromises. In addition, some measures are not easily implementable due to funding restrictions.

Another area of conflict is financing. The TBV report on reduced expenses in transport planning, which is attributed to the postponement of projects. At the same time, the costs for road construction projects are rising, particularly for sewage and pipeline work, where higher-than-expected costs are incurred.

Outlook and Future Steps

In the coming months, it will be crucial how well the city of Velbert can align the interests of different road users. The implementation of the IVP and the update of the VEP are central projects that should be completed by 2030.

Important milestones include the preparation of the IVP status report in March 2026, the implementation of measures in the inner-city traffic ring, and the planning of further cycle paths. At the same time, investments in public transport and the renovation of the road infrastructure will continue.

Velbert has embarked on a long-term course with its mobility strategy. Whether this course is also implementable in practice and whether the climate goals will be achieved depends on the coordination between politics, administration, and the population.