The history of pedestrianisation schemes in West Germany is traced. Originally rejected by retailers and thought to be too spacious for pedestrians, the original single street pedestrianisation schemes have often now reached exceptional proportions. The effect on older cities and the change in type of shop are discussed. An extension of pedestrianisation from shopping areas to areas of historical or social interest is also identified. Other pedestrian-friendly possibilities are discussed including traffic calmed shopping streets and commercial areas. Figures are given for the number of urban centres with pedestrianised areas and traffic calmed shopping streets and their lengths. The purposes of pedestrianised areas are considered. Often introduced as part of a package of measures, their effects are often hard to quantify. Some unwelcome side-effects are seen including raised rents, businesses in other locations suffering and some bad urban design. Pedestrianisation contributes particularly to the creation of a 'liveable' city where people want to live and play a part in city life. Streets and squares are rediscovered as areas for everyday life and there is a trend towards street cafe's, culture, arcades and museums.
Samenvatting