Umwelthilfe pries open files on Kantstraße bike lane dispute

The environmental NGO Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) obtained internal Senate records on 10 October 2026 that it says show the decision to dismantle the protected cycle lane on Kantstraße in Charlottenburg was 'purely politically motivated' and taken against administrative advice. Tagesspiegel reported that the files, released after legal action by DUH, document warnings from the transport administration that removing the lane would endanger cyclists and reduce the attractiveness of the east-west corridor for sustainable mobility. The Senate under the CDU-led coalition had announced the removal shortly after taking office in 2023 and completed it despite protests. DUH said the material confirmed its long-standing accusation that the move served political signalling rather than traffic planning. Opposition politicians and bike-advocacy group ADFC renewed calls to reinstate the lane. The Senate rejected the accusations, insisting the decision was based on balanced considerations and did not endanger road users.