Repositioning of Priorities in the Hierarchy of Fundamental Requirements
In the heart of Berlin, a new initiative has been rolled out on Kreuzbergstraße, near the Grossbeerenstraße intersection. A digital display predicting whether the next traffic light will be red or green has been hung, aiming to make cycling more relaxed for city commuters. However, this move has sparked controversy and concerns about the city's commitment to the safety of cyclists.
The black-red coalition, led by the CDU as the largest party and the SPD as junior partner, has been in power in Berlin since 2023. This coalition, which governs under Governing Mayor Kai Wegner from the CDU, has been criticised for its budget cuts to bicycle traffic safety measures. The proposed budget for 2026 and 2027 plans only 2.5 million euros per year for measures to improve bicycle traffic, a significant decrease from the 6 million euros in 2025.
Traffic Senator Ute Boden (CDU) has recommended that ten-year-olds on the bike path should "simply be very, very careful" at the start of the school year. This recommendation, coupled with the budget cuts, suggests a lack of priority given to the safety of cyclists, particularly younger ones.
The pilot project, named "Velo Flow", aims to make the approach to traffic lights more relaxed for cyclists. Each display for the project costs 3,000 euros, not including the costs for infrastructure and digitalization of the traffic light system. While these displays may offer some convenience, they do little to address the ongoing dangers on Berlin's streets.
Social psychologist Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, developed in the 1940s, prioritizes physical and mental safety (security) before comfort. It seems that Berlin's city cyclists must continue to ride with caution, as the city's budget cuts indicate a focus on individual needs related to success, independence, or freedom, rather than prioritizing their safety.
The installation of these digital displays at 23 selected intersections in the future may be perceived as insufficient given the continuous dangers on Berlin's streets. Some cyclists view these displays as a mockery, adding salt to the wound of the budget cuts for safe bike lanes.
As we navigate Berlin's streets, it is crucial to remember that safety should always come first. We hope that the city's authorities will reconsider their budget priorities and invest more in measures that truly promote the safety of cyclists.
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