In a significant move to support regions and municipalities, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport has extended financial aid for the “City and Countryside” special program. A total of 1.8 billion euros for investments in cycling infrastructure will now be available until 2028.
With the signing of the addendum to the administrative agreement by the federal states and the availability of 1.8 billion euros, the shift from motor vehicles to bicycles will continue to receive support from both the federal government and the states in the coming years. Co-financed initiatives will include the establishment of a secure, comprehensive, and physically separated cycling network, the provision of modern parking facilities, and the creation of favorable conditions for cargo bikes. The federal government will contribute to financing eligible measures with a regular funding rate of up to 75%, and for financially weak municipalities and structurally disadvantaged regions, a maximum rate of up to 90% of eligible expenses.
The high level of interest from federal states and municipalities in the “City and Countryside” special program is evident in the number of measures confirmed by the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning (BALM): a total of 2,371 measures are eligible for funding. These projects alone will result in the installation of nearly 2,000 km of cycling paths and over 55,000 parking spaces in bike stands, bike boxes, and bike parking garages. Additionally, the implementation of engineering structures (including 225 cycling bridges and underpasses), junctions, and operational measures is planned.
Background: Since 2020, the federal government has provided financial assistance to the states for cycling investments through the “City and Countryside” special program, totaling approximately 1.8 billion euros. This financial assistance program is part of the federal government’s 2030 Climate Action Program. The federal government supports states and municipalities, particularly in promoting economic growth, in establishing a safe, seamlessly planned, and low-loss cycling transportation system. Such a system contributes to sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility, streamlines source-to-destination traffic, reduces traffic jams, and overall improves traffic flow. The goal is to make cycling safer and more attractive for cyclists in both urban and rural areas and to encourage a shift from motor vehicles to bicycles.
The addendum to the administrative agreement and further legal provisions can be accessed on the relevant page of the BALM website.