ADAC Talk: Auto Club Takes New Paths - and Sees Great Potential in Pedestrian Traffic

Walking as a sustainable form of mobility has potential, because for shorter distances the car is often still the first choice: About one in five car journeys is shorter than two kilometers. Especially in cities, pedestrian traffic is the central link to other modes of transport, particularly public transportation (ÖPNV). The federal government, some states, and several municipalities have already begun to promote walking as a form of everyday mobility. As part of its expert series "Walking: Taking New Paths" this year, the ADAC discussed perspectives, concepts, and solutions for pedestrian traffic with around 600 professionals in many regions. The insights gained during these discussions are presented in a concise form and discussed by experts.

In particular, the new road traffic law, with the equivalence of factors such as environment & climate, health, and urban development alongside traffic fluidity and safety, as well as specific options like speed limits of 30 km/h or stricter parking management, opens up new possibilities for municipalities, but urgently requires precise elaboration in the form of the so-called General Administrative Regulation, which is currently being developed. Only then will it really become clear for those responsible what concrete progress the new laws will bring with regard to pedestrian traffic, according to the general consensus of the discussion. However, redesigning cities that have been tailored for cars for decades, including their often sprawling structures, to be pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, is a mammoth task.