City council approves cycle path between Rheinstraße and Kahlertstraße – construction in several phases
Kasinostraße in Darmstadt is to become safer for cyclists. On November 4, 2026, the Darmstadt City Council approved the preliminary design for a continuous cycle path between Rheinstraße and Kahlertstraße. Implementation is scheduled to begin in 2027 in several construction phases. The plan includes a cycle lane at least 2.10 meters wide, largely separated from car traffic by physical barriers.
With this measure, the city aims to close an important gap in Darmstadt's cycling network. Kasinostraße is part of the planned express cycle route between Darmstadt and Frankfurt and connects to the cycle path on Neckarstraße, which has existed since 2024.
Currently, cyclists on parts of Kasinostraße have to share the road with motorized traffic. A continuous, separate cycle path does not yet exist there.
Approximately 900 meters of new cycle lane planned
In the first approved construction phase, the cycle route in the northbound direction between Rheinstraße and Kahlertstraße will be redesigned over a length of approximately 900 meters.
The project will be implemented primarily through new road markings. A cycle lane at least 2.10 meters wide is planned, which will be separated from car traffic by physical barriers for most of the route.
Head of Transport Paul Georg Wandrey sees this as an important step towards improving road safety.
“With this cycling infrastructure, we are creating more safety and comfort for cyclists and at the same time strengthening Kasinostraße as an important part of the local cycling network,” explains Wandrey.
Implementing the project in phases would allow for initial improvements to be realized relatively early.
No parking spaces will be lost
According to the city, the planning also took into account that Casino Street is an important connection for car traffic.
A traffic simulation has confirmed that traffic flow will remain guaranteed even after the cycling infrastructure is installed.
Furthermore, all properties will remain accessible. No parking spaces will be lost as a result of the planned measures.
No adjustments to the existing traffic light systems are required in this section.
“One of the reasons for choosing this section was that it can be implemented relatively easily,” explains Wandrey.
The city expects this to improve conditions for cycling without significantly reducing the road's capacity for motorized traffic.
Initial construction work is planned for 2027
The cycling infrastructure will be implemented in several phases, coordinated over time.
First, the detailed planning for the approved first phase will be developed. The project will then be submitted for funding.
According to the city, approximately 70 percent of the costs could be covered by subsidies.
The following timetable is planned for implementation:
2027: Rhine to Julius-Reiber-Straße
The southern section between Rhein- and Julius-Reiber-Straße is scheduled to be implemented in 2027.
Expected first half of 2028: Area to the north
Further along Kasinostraße, the expansion of the district heating network by ENTEGA AG must first be completed. Therefore, the implementation of this section is not expected to be possible until the first half of 2028.
Until 2028: Further planning phases
Further sections of the draft plan for Kasinostraße are to be submitted to the political bodies for approval by 2028.
With this approach, the city aims to gradually expand the cycling infrastructure while simultaneously taking ongoing infrastructure measures into account.
The 30 km/h speed limit could be reviewed later
Once all construction phases are completed, the current speed limit on Kasinostraße could also be reviewed again.
Currently, a speed limit of 30 km/h applies there for noise protection reasons.
The city will investigate whether this regulation can be lifted once the measures are completed.
However, this would require proof that no corresponding noise pollution occurs even at a maximum permissible speed of 50 kilometers per hour.
No decision has yet been made regarding a possible change to the speed limit.
An important component for Darmstadt's cycling network
The planned expansion of Kasinostraße is intended to create a continuous and safer connection for bicycle traffic.
The route is also of particular importance due to its integration into the planned express cycle route between Darmstadt and Frankfurt.
The connection to the cycle path in Neckarstrasse is intended to help better link the existing cycling infrastructure.
Through gradual implementation starting in 2027, the science city of Darmstadt aims to improve conditions for cyclists while maintaining access to Kasinostraße for car traffic.
The most important information
Project: New cycling infrastructure in Kasinostraße
Resolution: City Council of Darmstadt, November 4, 2026
Section of route: Between Rheinstraße and Kahlertstraße
Direction of travel: North
Length: Approximately 900 meters
Width of the cycle lane: At least 2.10 meters
Construction: Predominantly road markings, mostly with physical separation from motor vehicle traffic
Construction start: Planned from 2027
First section: Rhine to Julius-Reiber-Straße, implementation planned for 2027
Further section: Expected first half of 2028, after completion of the district heating expansion.
Funding: Expected to cover approximately 70 percent of the costs
Parking: No reduction in car parking spaces is planned.
Traffic light systems: No adjustments required in the first section
Speed limit 30: Review possible after completion of all sections
Head of Transport: Paul Georg Wandrey
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
