Fight for space: Friedrichstrasse in Schwerin urgently needs solutions!

Fight for space: Friedrichstrasse in Schwerin urgently needs solutions!

Friedrichstraße, 19055 Schwerin, Deutschland - Friedrichstrasse in downtown Schwerin presents itself on warm days as a real magnet for droves of people. But behind the lively backdrop, the street also contains challenges that need to be solved. The combination of external catering, the traffic of cars and delivery vehicles leads to a narrow space in which pedestrians often hardly find any space. Especially for families with strollers, as well as people with walkers or wheelchairs, the passage on the popular road is a torture. This problem has recently been addressed in the non -public part of the main committee of the state capital Schwerin and it turns out that there is an urgent need for action here.

The fears are clear: motorized vehicles, including mopeds and cars, cross the narrow alley without clear separation between the walking and driving area, which endangers the safety of pedestrians. The outside area of ​​a restaurant also takes up almost the entire pedestrian zone, which further tightens the situation. The goal is to design Friedrichstrasse in such a way that it becomes barrier -free and safe without affecting the quality of stay. Here, structural measures such as bollards and soil markings are conceivable, which could create a clearer demarcation between gastronomy and sidewalk. A comprehensive redesign of the street space is also up for debate.

pedestrian zone for Puschkinstraße

Similar to Friedrichstrasse, Puschkinstraße between Markt and Friedrichstrasse also shows a need for action. A traffic -calmed area will soon be created here, which will later even be converted into a pedestrian zone. The majority of the city representatives have agreed to the administration's proposal. In the newly created traffic -calmed areas, vehicles are only allowed to drive at a walking pace, which should significantly improve the quality of stay. Residents such as the Domstrasse and the market already enjoy similar regulations, so that the conversion of Puschkinstrasse will close a valuable gap in the traffic calming concept.

The conversion to the pedestrian area should take place over the next year and provides for comprehensive public participation. There are quite critical voices, such as those of the AfD city representative Dirk Lerche, who criticizes the elimination of parking spaces. However, the proposal is supported by Arndt Müller of Bündnis 90 - The Greens / The Party, which supports the creation of alternatives to parking.

general importance of pedestrian zones

pedestrian zones are a model of success in many European cities when it comes to offering people a safe space for strolling and shopping. Their roots go back to the 1950s when the first pedestrian zone was created with Kramergasse in Klagenfurt. Germany soon followed, with Oldenburg, which set up the first pedestrian zone in 1953. As a rule, these zones are designed so that they beautify the cityscape and at the same time increase the quality of life.

design elements such as surface design, furniture and appealing shop facades are of great importance here. Pedestrian zones not only promote social interactions, but also contribute to economic development by creating a pleasant environment for business. Cyclists and electric scooter drivers are allowed to drive in certain areas if marked accordingly. The rules for pedestrian zones are defined in the road traffic regulations and stipulate that parked cars are usually not permitted.

Overall, the developments in Schwerin show that a responsible handling of urban space is important in the interests of all citizens. Friedrichstrasse and Puschkinstraße could become flagship projects if you find the right measure between security, gastronomy and quality of life.