Cologne Cathedral: Underground car park is to be converted into a bicycle garage!

Cologne Cathedral: Underground car park is to be converted into a bicycle garage!

The underground car park under the Cologne Cathedral, a central component of the city infrastructure since 1971, could experience significant change in the near future. The city of Cologne plans to convert parts of the parking garage into a bicycle garage. This project pursues the goal of removing the previous bicycle stands in the cathedral environment and instead creating safe storage options for commuters. The idea for conversion has existed for over five years, but so far there has been little progress in implementation. As ksta.de , there is now a feasibility study that was created three and a half years after a political order.

The process for completion and discussion of this study, which is to be discussed across the board and departments, is met with criticism because of the slow progress of the Cologne administrative apparatus. The exact time frame for the renovation of the underground car park remains unclear. One aspect that increases the time pressure is the upcoming opening of the cathedral hotel, for which guests should in future receive access via the underground car park. Department of Building Markus Greitemann from the building industry faces the challenge of quickly presenting a complete plan.

growing demands on bicycle parking facilities

In the middle of this transformation, it is also important to consider the increasing requirements for storage systems for bicycles. The demand for safe storage options, especially for pedelecs, is growing continuously. In 2023, the city of Cologne commissioned a feasibility study on bicycle parking in the cathedral underground car park. via Cologne offers tailor-made surveys and analyzes to bicycle parking and bike+ride to determine production and use potential.

The development of standardized solutions for future storage systems is supported by evaluating existing systems and the recording of the usage. In various projects, including in the city of Goch and in various community communities, strategy papers and records have already created these challenges and creating the best possible conditions for cyclists.

an outlook on the measures

The conversations and planning around the transformation of the underground car park at Cologne Cathedral are part of a larger trend that emphasizes the importance of sustainable mobility. The city of Cologne, supported by VIA, will continue to work on the development of measures that promote bicycle traffic and increase the quality of life in the city center. The success of these efforts not only depends on the political will formation, but also on the innovative strength of the administrative system, which must be encouraged to react faster to the increasing requirements of the city population.

Overall, Cologne faces the challenge of reconciling modern mobility needs with the historical conditions of the city. It remains to be seen how the plans for the underground car park are concretized and whether they can meet the high expectations of citizens.