Bitburg to drivers: Give the ring a chance!

Published Oct. 2, 2013
By Senior Airman Joe W. McFadden
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Drivers may have recently discovered something unusual while travelling through the city of Bitburg--something their computer navigation systems may not yet have detected.

The city just completed the installation of a new inner-city traffic ring, as part of their council's effort to alleviate traffic flow ahead of future construction projects.

The ring establishes no stopping zones and foregoes traffic lights, except certain areas for pedestrian crossing. In most two-lane streets, cars will be driving on the left side of the road down one-way paths marked by yellow-painted lanes.

"We ask everyone for their understanding for these measures, which may require for people to change their driving habits now," said Joachim Kandels, mayor of Bitburg. "But I believe with some caution and after driving through the inner-city ring of Bitburg a few times, people will become familiar with the new adjustments fairly quickly."

The intersection by the city hospital also serves as a decision point for drivers to determine whether to enter or bypass the city. Cargo trucks and people moving from housing to the outskirts of Bitburg now have the opportunity to drive around the city completely.

City officials debated over the ring for more than two decades before approving the measure by majority vote last year. A survey group researched traffic flow, particularly during the peak hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., as well as specific heavily-trafficked locations.

While Bitburg's City Hall council previously slated funds to rebuild all traffic lights, they decided to use those tax-dollars for the ring, as part of a longer-term goal than a quick renovation, said Kastels.

The installation of the inner-city circle is also in line with concurring plans of moving the city's post office and construction of new parking lots and a main shopping gallery in the center. These measures take into account increased traffic flow within the city over the coming years, including the future return of Bitburg Air Base Annex within the city's jurisdiction.

The mayor said the joint endeavor to test the new design is a sign of both nations serving as one community.

"I'm confident that our American residents will soon find their way around the city easier with the new inner-city ring, and I hope that people continue to enjoy visiting Bitburg," Kandels said. "Americans are always very welcome in Bitburg, even though driving in the Bitburg center may be a little challenging at the moment."

Kandels said his city welcomed public opinion measured on social media via the city's "Gib dem Ring eine Chance!" or "Give the Ring a chance!" publicity campaign for the gradual phasing-in of the inner-city ring.

Smaller villages than Bitburg often constructed similar traffic plans and an inner ring--a measure the Bitburg council noted those residents also may have met with initial rejection before growing accustomed to its benefits.

Five tips for driving within Bitburg city limits:

Be calm. If you become frustrated, slow down. While you may drive at a slower speed, arriving accident-free is a much better alternative.
Don't rely on your GPS. As the change recently went into effect this past weekend, many systems may not reflect the changes. Pay attention to warning and directional signs. While you may not comprehend German, you may be able to observe traffic flow and head in the correct direction.
Plan ahead. Familiarize yourself with the streets around a particular area you want to visit. If heading down a street is no longer viable due to the changes, know where you can either turnaround or park your car near the desired location. Or if you plan on driving past Bitburg, you'll know which streets you can take to bypass it completely.
Don't pass. Driving on the left may seem like an invitation to use the other side for passing to some. However, this is illegal and can also cause accidents.
Test it yourself. Take a few moments to drive the ring and get used to the new flow. The more one becomes familiar with the circle, the easier their travels into and through Bitburg will be.

"We've discussed this for 20 years, but if we don't try it, we could discuss it forever," Kandels said. "So give a chance to the ring."

For more information on the new traffic pattern, visit Bitburg's website at www.bitburg.de (The site may not be accessible on DoD networks.)