Study shows danger spots: The 10 most dangerous cycle paths in Germany

The everyday lives of cyclists in German cities are often characterised by safety risks. A recent analysis by specialist bicycle retailer Statera shows that the infrastructure for cycling has considerable shortcomings in many areas. The analysis is based on current studies, accident statistics and media reports and identifies the ten most dangerous places for cyclists in Germany. Hazardous spots in the major cities of Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg and Leipzig are mentioned particularly frequently.

The study reveals that around half of all problems in German cycling are due to a complete lack of cycle paths or inadequate cycle paths. A further 22 per cent of danger spots are caused by problematic junctions and unclear routes. The quality of existing cycle paths is assessed differently from region to region: While almost two thirds of respondents in Munich consider their cycle paths to be safe, the figure is less than half in Berlin or Cologne.

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Dangerous cycling spots in Germany

Statera's analysis identifies specific danger spots in several major German cities. In Berlin, the so-called "fear switches" on Holzmarktstraße and Alexanderplatz as well as Hermannplatz are among the most critical points. In Munich, Schwanthalerstraße and the Arnulfstraße/Stiglmaierplatz junction are categorised as particularly dangerous.

Hamburg is represented by the Dammtor railway station and the Kennedybrücke/Alsterglacis bridge. In Cologne, the Aachener Straße/Innere Kanalstraße junction and the Hohenzollernring are considered risk zones. Leipzig completes the list with Peterssteinweg and Gorkistraße. These locations are characterised by confusing traffic routing, a lack of cycling infrastructure or conflict-prone encounters with motorised traffic.

The Statera press release states verbatim:

Top 10: The most dangerous cycling spots in Germany

1. "Fear switches" in Berlin (e.g. Holzmarktstraße, Alexanderplatz)
   Cycle paths through the middle of junctions, flanked by cars. Symbol of unsafe cycling infrastructure.
   Source: ADFC, BILD (2024)
   
2. Hermannplatz, Berlin
   Labelled a "hate intersection" by the Berlin media. Confusing, heavy traffic, high risk of accidents.
   Source: Berliner Kurier (2023)
   
3. Schwanthalerstraße, Munich
   Narrow cycle lane right next to roadworks, dangerous due to jostling cars.
   Source: TZ Munich (2023)
   
4. Arnulfstraße / Stiglmaierplatz, Munich
   Cited several times in accident statistics. ADFC criticises lack of separation of bicycle and motor vehicle traffic.
   Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung, Munich police (2023)
   
5. Dammtor railway station, Hamburg
   The city's most accident-prone traffic junction. Particularly dangerous for cyclists in mixed traffic.
   Source: Focus Online (2023)
   
6. Kennedy Bridge / Alsterglacis, Hamburg
   Frequent accidents according to the police. Poor cycle guidance, many conflicts with pedestrians and cars.
   Source: Hamburger Abendblatt (2023)
   
7. Aachener Straße / Innere Kanalstraße, Cologne
   Unclear junction, according to the police a particularly high number of accidents involving cyclists.
   Source: Express Cologne (2023)
   
8. Hohenzollernring, Cologne
   Narrow cycle lanes, parked cars, high accident figures according to the Cologne Accident Atlas.
   Source: Cologne police (2023)
   
9. Peterssteinweg, Leipzig
   Marked red after fatal accident - remains a hotspot for conflict.
   Source: BILD Leipzig (2023)
   
10. Gorkistraße, Leipzig
    Categorised as a "dangerous place" by the police. Regular incidents with cyclists.
    Source: Leipzig police (2023)

That is the main problem

The analysis clearly shows that the dangers for cyclists arise less from individual problem areas than from fundamental structural deficits. At around 50 per cent, missing or inadequate cycle paths account for the largest proportion of problem areas. Dangerous junctions and unclear routes follow with 22 per cent.

A further 15 per cent of dangerous spots are caused by parked-up or too narrow paths, which force cyclists to make risky evasive manoeuvres. Roadworks without safe cycle traffic guidance account for eight per cent of problematic spots.

Although the so-called "fear switches" - places where cyclists are guided between parked cars and moving traffic - only account for five per cent of danger spots, they are controversial throughout Germany and are perceived as particularly threatening by many cyclists.

Perception of safety: Regional differences

The subjective feeling of safety among cyclists differs significantly depending on the city. The data shows a differentiated picture of the cycling situation in various German metropolises. In Munich, 62 per cent of cyclists surveyed rate the existing cycle paths as safe - the highest figure in a city comparison. In Berlin, this figure drops to 49 per cent, which means that more than half of cyclists in the capital have safety concerns. In Cologne, less than half of cyclists (47 per cent) feel safe on the existing paths.

These figures correlate with the actual infrastructure quality and the identified danger spots in the respective cities. "Many cyclists know the feeling of having to muddle through city traffic," explains Tim Scholz, Marketing Manager at Statera. "You want to make progress, but there is a constant threat of conflict: with cars, with pedestrians, with the road itself."