Stop the car-free school street: parents and students in excitement!

Stop the car-free school street: parents and students in excitement!

In Hamburg-Eimsbüttel, an important transport concept that was intended to ensure a safe school environment has come to a standstill. The plan was to convert Rellinger Strasse in front of the elementary school into a car-free zone. The 60 meter long school street was intended to offer students more space to play and learn. But like that taz reported, the project, which has been in the works for years, has now been stopped indefinitely by the Senate.

The reason for this decision: The “Parking Master Plan”, an element of the current coalition agreement between the SPD and the Greens. While the Senate wants to improve the parking situation in the city, parents and children are sharply criticizing this step. Of a total of 31 parking spaces on Rellinger Straße, only three would be retained after the planned renovation. This could further aggravate the already tense parking situation.

The importance of school streets

A car-free school street would not only be a step backwards in road safety, but also a sign of the appreciation of school routes. The primary school's parents' council is disappointed by the stop after they were actively involved in the planning process. “This is a fatal signal for the students and our understanding of democracy,” criticizes Katharina Lepik from the ADFC. She points out the importance of a safe route to school, especially in view of increasing traffic densities.

The Initiative by Ole Thorben Buschmützer (SPD) aims to improve road safety at all school locations. The initiative not only involves testing new traffic concepts, but also setting up temporary school streets where cars are not allowed to drive during peak hours. This could help avoid dangerous situations caused by parent taxis and make the journey to school safer.

Promote active mobility

The Eimsbüttel district has already addressed the issue of active routes to school. In cooperation with specialist authorities and schools, measures to reduce the dangers in traffic are implemented. So far, new crossings have been created, footpaths widened and dangerous situations defused. But those The district's goals are ambitious: Not only should safe arrival at school be guaranteed, but also healthy and active mobility should be promoted.

It remains unclear whether Hamburg will actually have its first car-free school street. While the parent council remains optimistic and hopes for a change in thinking soon, the transport authority must first review the existing planning. Whether and how the project can be continued is still unclear. One thing is clear, however: the future of school routes depends on an active and committed community of citizens who are willing to make efforts not only in planning but also in implementation.