Citation

Whitehead C. ITE J. 1980; 50(12): 22-23.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1980, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In the residential areas of such German cities as Essen, Altendorf, Bocholt, and Cologne, Verkehrsberuhigung ("traffic tranquilization") programs have been implemented to reduce automobile traffic and to rejuvenate neighborhoods. Areas once reserved for parking are now occupied by shrubbery, benches and playgrounds, walkways and bikeways, and outdoor cafes. Efforts have been made to restore older patterns of zigzag and dead-end streets and varied street surfaces. State governments are providing substantial funds to revitalize old city neighborhoods whose populations have declined in the past decade as residents have moved to the suburbs to escape increasingly heavy traffic. Repairing the damage to urban residential areas caused by traffic and its concomitant pollution, noise, threat of injury, and loss of public space is viewed by German policymakers as an essential urban policy goal for the 1980's. A nationwide traffic restraint program will improve the quality of life in residential and local retail districts, and will contribute to energy savings. Total automotive use is expected to decrease by one-third as alternative means of transportation become more pleasant and consequently more popular.