This paper describes facilities for pedestrians and other non-car transport modes in urban areas in Germany. Historically many cities were redesigned to give priority to car traffic. Segregation of car traffic from pedestrian areas led to poorer public space, lower quality housing design and expensive infrastructure for roads and parking. Pedestrian zones were created to counteract the car culture and were seen as a regular part of attractive urban centres. However, this led to conflict at the point where pedestrians had to cross roads, and public transport and cycles were not integrated to the pedestrian areas. Traffic calming was introduced in various ways, including humps, culs de sac, mixed use streets and sidewalk design. Sidewalks are being widened and parking on them is banned in some areas. Coexistence is practised for bicycle and bus lanes. At street crossings, zebra crossings are being reintroduced and more efficient traffic light systems are being set up. Ideas are being investigated from other countries, including the use of roundabouts. For the covering abstract see ITRD E118896.
Samenvatting