Baden-Württemberg Boosts School Safety with 'School Streets' and Expanded MOVERS Program
Baden-Württemberg has taken a significant step towards safer school commutes. The Ministry of Transport has issued a new decree, providing clear legal foundations for municipalities to establish 'school streets' and 'school zones'.
Transport Minister Winfried Hermann has invited local authorities to set up these initiatives at suitable school locations. The decree specifies how to implement these measures legally, benefiting cities like Stuttgart, Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, and Heidelberg.
School zones will permanently close streets to motor vehicles, preventing them from being used as shortcuts. Meanwhile, 'school streets' will temporarily close street sections to motorized traffic during specific times, allowing exceptions for residents or those with disabilities. Additionally, municipalities can create 'pick-up and drop-off zones' for safer parental drop-offs.
The state is also expanding the Landesprogramm MOVERS - Aktiv zur Schule, introducing school streets and cycling proficiency badges for the school year 2025/2026. The cross-ministerial program aims to encourage children's independent and active mobility on their way to school.
The new decree and expanded Landesprogramm MOVERS are set to promote safer, healthier, and more independent school commutes for children in Baden-Württemberg. The Ministry of Transport encourages interested parties to contact their Press Office or Citizen's Representative for more information.
