An increment in the count of school-specific roads in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) reaches 50, with 21 currently being designed

School streets in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) have risen to 50, with 21 under development - Expanding School Roads in North Rhine-Westphalia: Aim to Construct 21 More

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is taking a significant step towards promoting a safer and more independent journey to school for children. The number of School Streets in the state has risen to 50, with another 21 planned for this year, according to Oliver Krischer, the Transport Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia and a member of the Greens party.

These School Streets, located at approximately 2,800 primary schools across the state, aim to address the issue of "parent taxis" by allowing children who are driven to school by car to get out and walk the rest of the way. This initiative is expected to not only make the journey to school safer for children, whether they walk, bike, or scoot, but also increase traffic safety, encourage more physical activity for children, and foster greater independence in traffic and beyond.

The legal implementation for School Streets in North Rhine-Westphalia was established by a directive from the ministry in early 2024. This directive allows cities and communities in North Rhine-Westphalia to set up School Streets legally. Traffic is reduced during drop-off and pick-up times at these School Streets by closing the street, ensuring a safer environment for children.

Oliver Krischer expressed his pleasure at the increasing interest in School Streets, stating that each new School Street is a win for safety, children's independence, and the quality of life in the immediate surroundings. Guidelines have been set for School Streets, including the possibility of setting up additional parent pick-up points.

The ministry of Transport in North Rhine-Westphalia, based in Düsseldorf, emphasizes the benefits of School Streets and encourages more communities to adopt this initiative. Krischer stated that School Streets enable children to travel to school more safely and independently, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle for the next generation.