At its meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the City Council of Mainz, the state capital, approved the Mainz Bicycle Network (RADNETZ Mainz). This establishes a citywide strategic framework for the future development of bicycle traffic. The goal is to make cycling safe and easy for everyone in Mainz. At the same time, the RADNETZ is intended to provide fast and seamless connections throughout the entire city and into the surrounding areas.

“With the RADNETZ, we are creating a clear foundation for the further development of cycling in Mainz. This allows us to identify which connections are particularly important for cyclists and to specifically incorporate them into future planning,” says Janina Steinkrüger, Department Head for Environment and Mobility.

First the network, then the specific planning

The RADNETZ is designed as a strategic plan. It identifies where cycling is of particular importance, but does not yet specify what the concrete infrastructure must look like at every single location. Detailed planning for the respective routes will follow and will take local conditions into account. These include, for example, road widths, local public transit, and the varying space requirements within the road right-of-way.

The RADNETZ consists of three hierarchically structured network levels: 

- the main network, 

- the development network, and 

- the supplementary network. 

The main network comprises the most important and direct cycling routes and is designed to offer a particularly high quality of connectivity. The development network, in turn, complements these main routes with important cross-connections and alternatives. Finally, the supplementary network serves to provide detailed connectivity and, in particular, connects city districts.

This creates clear main routes and good cross-connections for bicycle traffic. In the future, each network level will also be taken into account when balancing different transportation needs within the street space.

CYCLING NETWORK DEVELOPED WITH BROAD PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The citizens of Mainz were extensively involved in the development of the bicycle network. In addition to the technical work carried out by the city administration and the contracted consulting firms from Denmark and the Netherlands, input and suggestions from the Mapathon, interest groups, and two public participation initiatives were specifically incorporated.

Through additional online participation opportunities, citizens were able to evaluate and remove existing routes and propose new connections. Local advisory councils were also specifically involved in several rounds of consultation. The numerous pieces of feedback were subsequently reviewed by experts and taken into account during the revision of the network draft.

Foundation for Future Transportation Projects

With this resolution, the RADNETZ will serve as the foundation for the expansion of bicycle infrastructure in Mainz. It will become an integral part of the Mainz Mobility Plan and is intended to be integrated with eco-friendly transportation options and motor vehicle traffic.

The RADNETZ also plays an important role in future transportation projects. Cycle network routes are to be given high priority in projects such as the expansion of the tram system and tram stops. The network is also to be taken into account in upcoming renovation and construction projects. Furthermore, it serves as the basis for the targeted acquisition of funding.

Focus on Bicycle Parking and Signage

The RADNETZ encompasses more than just the connections themselves. Bicycle parking and clear signage also play an important role. After all, every ride begins and ends at a destination. Safe and suitable parking options are therefore essential, especially for high-quality bicycles. Needs in this area were identified through the online public consultation. 

Effective signage should complement the RADNETZ and enable intuitive navigation and reliable wayfinding. 

From the Strategic Network to Implementation

With this resolution, the strategic phase of the bike network is complete. The further planning process will take place in three stages: The strategic network will be followed by detailed planning, then implementation through construction or renovation. The use of funding opportunities is being examined as part of the RADNETZ Mainz initiative.

The RADNETZ Mainz thus serves as the long-term framework for the continuous development of bicycle traffic in the state capital.