News: A lot has changed in terms of mobility and mobility policy since the beginning of the Corona crisis. But that's still not enough for the "Bundesrad" association. For this reason, on September 10, the association presented a catalog with four demands to Gero Storjohann, the chairman of the parliamentary group “Bicycles in the German Bundestag”.
Who is behind the claim?
The "Bundesrad" initiative is an amalgamation of several bicycle initiatives. These include 35 “bicycle decisions” and other initiatives. According to the association, it has over 500.000 supporters. The alliance is coordinated by the Berlin bicycle initiative Changing Cities, which is often criticized for sometimes very radical and not very rational demands. According to its own statement, the aim of the “Bundesrad” is to improve the quality of life by promoting cycling and walking, among other things by creating “living and meeting spaces”. But what exactly does the initiative call for?
The 4 central demands of "Bundesrad"
Complete network of footpaths and cycle paths: Places on the outskirts and in rural areas should be easier to reach even without a car by building and expanding cycle paths and footpaths. The construction of cycle lanes to connect town and country should also be promoted. Assessment: Absolutely sensible to make cycling more attractive.
Promotion of sustainable mobility: In essence, the initiative demands that the costs incurred for infrastructure, the environment and health should also be borne by those who cause them. This is intended to promote a switch to public transport. Assessment: Rather unworldly. Then we could also switch our health insurance to the polluter pays principle and let everyone bear the medical costs they incur themselves.
Priority for pedestrians, cyclists and local public transport: Traffic space is to be rededicated in favor of pedestrian and bicycle traffic. For example, with flower pots, greenery or seating. Parking spaces in public spaces are also to be massively reduced. Assessment: partially useful. However, mostly counterproductive, since once again bans are placed before freedom.
Legal discrimination against motorized traffic: In legal norms such as the StVO, the Federal Trunk Road Act, etc., motorized traffic should be given priority over public transport, taxis, car sharing, bicycles and pedestrians in order to protect health and the environment. Assessment: Deliberate legal discrimination of a means of transport represents a violation of democratic equality. Legal equality for all means of transport would be more appropriate than a crusade against motorized private transport.
The coming months and years will show how and in what form the demands made will be implemented in future mobility policy. But the fact is: Sustainable solutions lie in compromises, rational arguments and individual approaches - not in paternalism and prohibitions.
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