This chapter describes two developments of urban car-free zones in Germany. In Luneburg, in 1991, the town council agreed to implement a new transport policy strategy, aiming to encourage people to leave their cars at home, especially for short journeys, and travel by public transport, bicycle, or on foot. More frequent bus services and better interchanges were supplemented by collective evening taxi services. An extensive cycle network was built, and, by May 1993, large parts of the city centre were car-free and pedestrianised. There were especially large increases in cyclists (59%) and pedestrians (48%), and there were 13.5% fewer injury accidents from 1993 to 1994. The lesson from Luneburg is that major urban changes need to be implemented quickly, with conviction and enough money. Construction of a new 2.6ha car-free housing estate began in Bremen-Hollerland in Autumn 1995. It has easy access to an excellent cycle network, and additional cycling facilities are planned. Residents will have to commit themselves not to own a car. Houses are advertised as less noisy and less expensive. Several other car-free housing estates are planned in Germany, and one has begun to be built in Amsterdam.
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