Düsseldorf (dpa / lnw) – Environment and Transport Minister Oliver Krischer (Greens) wants to massively promote and promote the expansion of cycle paths in North Rhine-Westphalia. “At least as much money is invested in cycle paths as in road expansion. And that means there are quite a few cycle paths. Planning has to be faster and easier,” said Krischer in an interview with the “Rheinsche Post” (Monday edition). The Greens politician wants to remove obstacles to the rapid realization of the wheel projects.

“Moving forward” often fails because of small things and “very strange conflict situations,” says Krische. “For example, extensive species protection studies are required, although there is already a long road. One wonders: Are the three additional meters of cycle path really the problem for species protection?” Even conservationists would deny that. “But it is regulated by law. I will talk to the Federal Minister of Transport and the Federal Minister of the Environment about this,” announced the NRW Minister.

The investment backlog for necessary renovation work on roads, bridges and rails is “challenging,” said Krische. “The omissions of the past are now catching up with us massively.” The renovation of the infrastructure in NRW will probably shape his term of office: “We will renovate a lot, and I will reap little praise and a lot of trouble because there are always construction sites and route closures.”