Expansion of school roads in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) to reach 50, with 21 currently in development

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is set to introduce more school streets, aiming to ensure a safer and more independent journey for children to and from school. According to Oliver Krischer, the Transport Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, this year will see the establishment of 21 additional "School Streets" (Schulstraßen) in various cities and municipalities across the state.

The number of school streets in North Rhine-Westphalia is growing, with nearly 50 schools already having motorised traffic reduced during drop-off and pick-up times. Krischer believes that the significant increase in school streets shows more municipalities are adopting and successfully implementing this concept.

The ministry has issued a directive, effective from the beginning of 2024, allowing cities and communities to establish school streets in a legally secure manner. This directive will facilitate the smooth implementation of school streets, ensuring their long-term success.

Each new school street is considered a gain for safety, the independence of children, and the quality of life in the immediate vicinity. The ministry emphasizes that the establishment of school streets brings many benefits beyond traffic safety, including encouraging children to move more and gain more independence in traffic and beyond.

Across the state, these school streets are created by closing the street in front of approximately 2,800 primary schools. This measure aims to address the issue of so-called parent taxis, where students are driven all the way to the school gate. By setting up drop-off points for children who are driven to school by car, they can get out and walk the rest of the way, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Oliver Krischer is pleased with the increasing interest in school streets. He states that school streets ensure children can travel to school more safely and independently. The school trip on foot, by bike, or scooter will be safer for children thanks to school streets.

As the establishment of school streets becomes more widespread, it is hoped that more children will reap the benefits of a safer and more independent school journey. The ministry remains committed to supporting the implementation of school streets in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Expansion of school roads in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) to reach 50, with 21 currently in development