Volt in Römer shows interest in suggestions for superblocks from local councils
Traffic calming and the bundling of through traffic are goals of the superblocks
Volt im Römer considers the concept of Superblocks to be a coherent and proven way to improve the quality of stay and life in Frankfurt’s neighborhoods in the future. Superblocks have already existed in Barcelona for years. A superblock is the combination of several blocks of houses and streets into a low-car or car-free neighborhood. The aim is to keep through traffic out of the superblocks with diagonal barriers and a one-way street system. Individual street sections will also be converted into car-free zones. Resident traffic will continue to be permitted with a strict speed limit, and pedestrian and bicycle traffic will always have priority.
Frankfurt has already succeeded in bundling through traffic in some parts of the city by means of a one-way street system. Partial aspects of the concept, such as the creation of bicycle-friendly side streets, have also been and are already being implemented. However, there is much more potential for the quality of public space if stationary traffic in public areas is also significantly reduced. In addition, a cohesive concept within an entire neighborhood prevents the displacement of through traffic onto other side streets.
In Local Advisory Council 3 (Nordend), a motion for the establishment of a superblock for the area between Eschersheimer Landstrasse, Alleenring, Eckenheimer Landstrasse and Anlagenring was on the agenda at the meeting on February 23 (OF 463). In view of the criticism of the redesign of Oeder Weg, this appears to be coherent and consistent, because with this sustainable overall concept, effects on other side streets can be avoided. An application for a superblock around Leipziger Strasse was also made last year in Local Advisory Council 2 (Bockenheim) (OF 507). This refers to a draft concept of the Verkehrsclub Deutschland.
“In principle, the concept of superblocks is suitable for achieving our goals from the coalition agreement for consistent traffic calming and a car-free design in the neighborhoods, which is why I show great sympathy for such initiatives in the local councils. Superblocks are a smart concept to make neighborhoods more livable and the mobility system more efficient. With more meeting areas, we can also promote social cohesion and inclusive living together,” says Martin Huber, mobility policy spokesman, Volt im Römer.
The concept of superblocks has already been successfully implemented in Barcelona for several years. The number of trips made there on foot or by bicycle has increased noticeably. Air quality has steadily improved and noise has been reduced. Fears that retail trade would suffer due to traffic calming have not materialized; on the contrary. The invigorating effects have even brought more people, albeit on foot and by bicycle, rather than by car.
