Pedestrians in Niesky and Görlitz: progress and new challenges!

Pedestrians in Niesky and Görlitz: progress and new challenges!

What about the safety and mobility of pedestrians in Niesky and Görlitz? This question is currently not only concerned with the responsible urban planners, but also the inhabitants of the two cities. Because the footpaths are not always in optimal condition and there is still a lot to improve. In Niesky, where about half of the traffic areas are equipped with sidewalks, special attention has been paid to the increase in pedestrian security for a year. As part of the “Wegecheck” project, residents and students took a closer look at the local footpaths, which has certainly met with great response. sächsische.de reports that City is looking for opportunities to improve the footpaths despite financial restrictions.

A look at some problem areas shows that in front of the Sparkasse on Görlitzer Straße, the sidewalk is only half as wide as necessary through a staircase and a wheelchair ramp, which leads to difficulties for pedestrians. In addition, the sidewalks have been widened in the court road to counteract the problem with parked cars and garbage cans. For 2023, Niesky has set eight focal points to improve his footpaths, including a planned safe pedestrian crossing via Horkaer Straße. However, the lack of an approved budget could delay the application of these measures. A fact that the city councils are aware of, since they are increasingly recognizing the importance of pedestrians and cyclists in the further development of the infrastructure.

The case of the Sohland

The situation in Sohland is particularly explosive, where there has been no continuous footpath along the main street for decades. This is an enormous risk in particular for the children living there. Christian Richter, chairman of the local council, calls for a footpath to the bus stop to increase the safety of the population.

The location in Görlitz

But there is still a need for action in Görlitz. Here a mobility survey has shown that only 21% of the citizens rate the traffic situation for pedestrians as very good. Repairs and renovations of the footpaths are conveniently carried out in Görlitz mostly in connection with road construction measures. Unfortunately, however, there is a lack of special funding for the footpaths, which also makes the renovation measures more difficult.

Mobility rethink

"Mobility without a car" is the motto of the 2025 mobility laboratory, which is carried out by the Nexus Institute in cooperation with citizens in Niesky and Gotha. The aim is to bring alternative transport options into play to reduce CO2 emissions and improve the cityscape. In a three -part participation process, residents are actively involved in the planning. Environmental Bundesamt.de informs that according to dialogue events and a six-month practical phase, recommendations to improve the traffic situation. The results are then recorded in a final report and should also encourage other municipalities to initiate similar projects.