From Hildburg Bruns
The new CDU traffic senator Manja Schreiner (45) turns the wheel: planning stop for expansion projects that cost motor vehicle lanes, bus lanes or more than ten percent of the existing parking spaces!
“Big streets in the city must remain efficient for commuter, commercial and delivery traffic,” Senator Schreiner explains her push against the plans, which are mostly pushed by Green politicians.
But money also plays a role: “In view of the budgetary restrictions, it is necessary to further develop the existing annual planning of cycling and walking measures,” according to the transport authority.
Highly controversial in Lichtenberg and now stopped: protected cycle paths on Siegfriedstraße
Photo: Senate Administration
► What STILL works?
Crossroads are secured on the recommendation of the Accident Commission +++ Projects to improve school route security +++ the emergency program for pedestrian crossings (pop-up zebra crossings) +++ renovate existing cycle paths – but without changing the width.
► What is NOT possible?
Projects in which lanes or bus lanes are eliminated +++ considerable restrictions on commercial and delivery traffic +++ more than ten percent of the parking spaces within 500 meters are eliminated.
Transport Senator Manja Schreiner (45, CDU) Photo: picture alliance
Controversial issues also need to be clarified: Was the number of road users examined? Are there alternatives that are less of a hindrance to cars and parking spaces? How far have the plans progressed?
The outrage is great, especially among the Greens. Group leader Werner Graf (43): “The regression coalition shows that ideologically they want to go back to the transport policy of the last century. The construction of cycle paths is a relevant contribution to more road safety.”
The letter from a Schreiner employee, which was read out at a meeting of the Lichtenberg district parliament, made the planning stop public.
It was also about Tempo 30: “Applications z. B. from daycare centers, schools will continue to be checked and implemented – but no routes where actions take place ex officio. No gaps either.”
To put it plainly: There are no nationwide speed limits either – only occasionally to protect children.
With this letter, a Schreiner employee informed the Lichtenberg district office about the planning stop
Photo: BZ
Ragnhild Sørensen of Changing Cities comments: “The new senator turns out to be a car traffic senator who, while promoting cooperation, has her heart clearly in the car-friendly city. Not with us, Ms. Schreiner, not with us!”
This is what Berliners say about the planning stop:
Rudi P. (63): “I don’t think it’s good. We cyclists have problems getting through traffic safely. The newly created cycle paths make me feel much safer in traffic.”
Rudy P. (63)
Photo: Ralf Gunther
Robert Baldede (53): “I think the decision was right. The cycle paths are being built wide, the car lanes are getting narrower and narrower. I find that idiotic. Then there are the bollards everywhere. As a result, an ambulance cannot get through in many places.”
Robert Baldede (53) Photo: Ralf Gunther
Georg G. (41): “Such plans are not without reason. I’m in favor of bike lanes because you’re safer and don’t have to trundle between cars. I find it difficult when, as a newly elected government, you don’t continue the good things that have been initiated. Cycling is a means of transport that is fit for the future.”
Georg G., educator (41) Photo: Ralf Gunther
Beate Diken (63): “Where bike paths make sense, i.e. on busy streets, I like them. But there are also corners where there are hardly any cyclists, there is no need for bike paths there. Both cyclists and motorists should be taken into account by politicians, both should be given a chance.”
Beate Diken (63) Photo: Ralf Gunther
Anna Smirnov (34): “It is often the case in Berlin that something is decided and then dissolved again. I find it confusing. Cycle lanes make sense in many places because cyclists and motorists are clearly separated, making it less dangerous.”
Anna Smirnov (34) Photo: Ralf Gunther