Safe routes to school: Halle's bicycle bus ensures more traffic safety!

Safe routes to school: Halle's bicycle bus ensures more traffic safety!

In Halle (Saale) the bicycle bus has become a popular and indispensable institution. Every Tuesday during school time, numerous children with colorful helmets set off from August-Bebel-Platz to cycle together to the Saaleschule and the Riesenklein educational center. This initiative, which has been active since September 2022 and has existed for almost three years, has established itself as a successful model for safe routes to school.

The Halle bicycle bus takes little cyclists safely to school on a well-defined route. It starts at 7:30 a.m. and the children reach their goals in less than half an hour. The stops along the way include Kardinal-Albrecht-Strasse, Bernburger Strasse and Reileck, before finally continuing to the Saaleschule or the Riesenklein educational center. This campaign not only promotes road safety, but also aims to create better cycling infrastructure for the students.

Bicycle bus as part of a movement

Stephan Marahrens, the state chairman of the ADFC, accompanies the trips of the Halle bicycle bus and emphasizes the need for further improvement of the infrastructure for cyclists. He demands that drivers keep the necessary distance when overtaking cyclists. Marahrens also plans to initiate a similar project in Dessau-Roßlau to create safe paths for those starting school there too.

The idea behind the bicycle bus is not new. It originally comes from West Yorkshire in the UK and was launched in 2008. The concept became internationally known through the city of Barcelona, ​​where it is known as “Bicibús”. Bicycle buses are becoming increasingly popular in Germany - cities such as Frankfurt, Hamburg and Karlsruhe are relying on similar models to make the journey to school safer for children. The cooperation between parents, teachers and ADFC representatives ensures that the children are well looked after.

Why is a bicycle bus needed?

In Halle, those responsible are facing challenges that could jeopardize the success of the bicycle bus program. A lack of cycle paths, unsafe streets, illegally parked cars and a lack of controls by the police and the public order office are current problems. The bicycle bus not only serves safety, but also promotes the transport transition towards environmentally friendly mobility. By reducing car traffic in front of schools, it makes a valuable contribution to climate protection and to promoting a healthy lifestyle for many children.

In summary, it can be said: The Halle bicycle bus has become firmly established and could undoubtedly serve as a model for other cities. The campaign not only promotes cycling, but also the social and health development of children. On the way to school together – that sounds like a successful idea!