Bochum Opens Opelstrasse: Over 4 Kilometers of New Pedestrian and Cycle Path Enhances Car-Free Network
Bochum, Germany, has officially opened a new 4.1-kilometer pedestrian and cycle path along Opelstrasse, connecting the Laer and Weitmar districts and providing a vital west-east link for non-motorized traffic. Mayor Jörg Lukat inaugurated the route on December 8, 2025, emphasizing its role in building a comprehensive network of modern infrastructure as a practical alternative to car use. The path features six rest areas, a comfortable 5-meter width, green strips, and newly planted trees and shrubs, funded largely by state and federal grants totaling nearly 3.8 million euros out of a 4-million-euro investment.
Background
The Opelstrasse path fills a key gap in Bochum’s expanding car-free network, running parallel to the new A448 motorway for much of its length. Starting from Springorumallee and heading east, it crosses Wohlfahrtstrasse, passes under Königsallee and Universitätsstrasse, and reaches Steinkuhlstrasse before continuing along the motorway embankment toward a planned bridge site near Hanielstrasse. Currently, a provisional route through a small woodland and along Markstrasse provides connectivity until the bridge is built. Remnants of the former Opel factory rail line, including tracks and ballast, add historical character to sections near the DHL wall. The project also included utility upgrades by local utilities and environmental enhancements with 16 new trees and 330 shrubs planted amid the already green surroundings.
Future Outlook
A new bridge over the A448 between Hanielstrasse and Markstrasse is slated for completion in about two years, with funding applications underway through state and federal programs like “Stadt und Land” and “Nahmobilität.” Until then, cyclists and pedestrians will use detours via Markstrasse and the “Auf der Heide” park. This development supports Bochum’s broader push for sustainable mobility, potentially inspiring similar infrastructure expansions in other German cities to promote cycling and walking as everyday transport options.