Village peace established

How a small cycle path “divided” an entire village

The hurdles have been cleared: after protests, Falkenstein near Poysdorf now also has a "main road for cyclists".(Bild: zVg)

It's not just road construction projects or a planned biogas plant that can trigger more than just a dispute at the regulars' table: The course of a narrow cycle path not only literally divides a village of 550 inhabitants, it also kept the municipal council of Falkenstein near Poysdorf on its toes for a long time.

As reported, a citizens' initiative was even formed to save an old meadow path from being sealed. For the supporters of a route that was as short as possible and ran straight through the village, this was merely a pretext: as the alternative route would only have been possible past gardens, it would have meant convenient access for their owners - albeit as a detour with even more land consumption.

Local councillor Christoph Schüller (left). and municipal worker Roman Haunold . . .(Bild: Andreas Leisser)

. . . are delighted about the realization of the project - signs have been placed.(Bild: Andreas Leisser)

The fact that a quarter of the 209 signatures did not come from local residents is no longer significant. Peace has returned to the wine village. The final act: a farmer was granted the right of servitude so that the road to his stables remains legal.