Radschnellweg Cost Trap? Politicians, ADFC, and State Building Authority Comment on the Project's Status in the District of Fürth

A new high-speed cycle route between Zirndorf and Nuremberg has partially opened, but its future now hangs in the balance. The first 300-metre stretch ends abruptly in Oberasbach, where financial disputes threaten to halt progress. Local leaders and cycling advocates are pushing for solutions before the project stalls entirely.

The initial section of the cycle path was completed with state funding, but Oberasbach’s participation remains uncertain. The Bavarian State Ministry of Housing, Construction and Transport covers construction costs through cycling infrastructure programmes, yet long-term maintenance falls to local councils. Oberasbach’s second mayor, Norbert Schikora, warned that ongoing expenses could strain the city’s budget.

Many had assumed Bavaria would fully fund the project, including upkeep. Zirndorf’s first mayor, Thomas Zwingel, admitted that local authorities now face unexpected costs. The state construction office has framed the route as a long-term investment rather than a quick build, adding to the uncertainty. To break the deadlock, the ADFC (General German Bicycle Club) proposed a roundtable discussion with Oberasbach’s politicians. One suggestion involves capping maintenance obligations to a fixed period. A public panel with local representatives is also scheduled for **13 February 2026** to explore possible compromises. Without resolving the Oberasbach gap, the entire Zirndorf-Nuremberg connection risks remaining unfinished. This would undermine the route’s intended benefit for cyclists travelling between the two cities.

The cycle path’s completion now depends on whether Oberasbach and the state can agree on funding. If no solution is found, the project may stop at the city’s borders, leaving a fragmented route. The upcoming panel discussion could determine whether the high-speed link moves forward or grinds to a halt.