‘The car belongs in Berlin’: city backpedaling on bike-friendly policies, critics say

The recent shift in Berlin's transport policies, marked by the CDU's rise to power, has reignited debates about urban mobility and community cohesion. Critics highlight that the rollback of bike-friendly measures not only undermines sustainable transport but also exacerbates social divisions, as seen in the protests following these changes. This situation parallels broader trends in transport policy, such as proposed cuts to tax benefits for bicycle purchases in the UK, indicating a potential nationwide reconsideration of cycling as a viable transport option. As cities grapple with balancing car-centric infrastructure and sustainable mobility, Berlin's experience serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of prioritizing automobiles over bicycles.