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Korschenbroich secures free pedestrian audit to upgrade walking routes by 2028

A rare opportunity to reshape footpaths for safety and accessibility—without cost. Residents will help design changes tied to sewer renovations starting in 2026.

The image shows a large building with cars parked in front of it, surrounded by street poles,...
The image shows a large building with cars parked in front of it, surrounded by street poles, street lights, traffic poles, traffic signals, sign boards, people walking on the footpath, railings, stairs, trees and a clear blue sky. This building is the new York City Health Care Homeless Center.

Korschenbroich secures free pedestrian audit to upgrade walking routes by 2028

On-Site Pedestrian Audits: Practical Analysis for Safer, More Attractive Walking Routes

The so-called pedestrian audits provide hands-on local analysis, actively involve citizens, and identify concrete, quickly implementable measures to make pathways safer, more appealing, and more accessible. The town of Korschenbroich has been a member of Mobility Network NRW—North Rhine-Westphalia's statewide support network for sustainable mobility—since March 1, 2022.

Walking not only keeps people fit and protects the climate but also strengthens community bonds, emphasizes Environment Minister Oliver Krischer: "For this to work well, we need safe, direct routes. Pedestrian audits help municipalities examine their public spaces from the perspective of local residents and initiate tangible improvements. The fact that so many cities and towns in North Rhine-Westphalia are interested demonstrates just how crucial good walking conditions are at the local level."

Working Together for Better Pedestrian Conditions

Pedestrian audits are an initiative offered by Mobility Network NRW, the statewide support network for sustainable mobility development. Oliver Wittke, spokesperson for the executive board of Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR), explains the concept: "Pedestrian mobility is a litmus test for how well local transport actually functions—whether it is safe, barrier-free, and practical for everyday use. With these audits, municipalities have a valuable tool to take a close look, set priorities, and push forward concrete improvements. As the operator of the Rhineland-Ruhr coordination office for Mobility Network NRW, we support this approach because walkability often determines whether public transport is easily accessible and reliably usable in daily life." The exchange between administration, policymakers, and target groups also helps strengthen participatory culture.

To ensure a professional process, the entire audit is accompanied by a specialized consulting firm. This firm facilitates each step, evaluates the findings, and prepares them in a way that enables Korschenbroich's administration to develop specific measures. Statewide, 41 municipalities applied, and 12 were selected. For those chosen, the entire audit is free of charge, with funding provided by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Concrete Plans in Korschenbroich

Korschenbroich already has initial ideas in motion. "The city's sewer renovation plan includes upgrades to the canal system and stormwater prevention measures along streets in the town center between 2026 and 2028," says Mayor Marc Venten. "Once this construction work is complete, we can promptly redesign traffic areas to be more pedestrian-friendly. Professional support from a consulting firm through a pedestrian audit can provide Korschenbroich with valuable insights into promoting walkability and improving communication among different stakeholders as we reimagine our street spaces."

A Proven Method for Municipalities

Since 2019, Mobility Network NRW has offered its members the NRW Pedestrian Audit program. This established method consists of several key components. On-site walkthroughs are at its core, giving participants the opportunity to discuss problems, share perspectives, and explore new solutions. This is followed by a strengths-weaknesses analysis and the creation of a prioritized action plan, developed collaboratively with residents and expert teams.

A planning firm guides the process, moderating events, consolidating themes, and summarizing results. At the end, each participating municipality receives an evaluation and recommendations. Implementation remains voluntary, though Mobility Network NRW advises municipalities on securing potential funding if requested. Costs are covered by the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, and Transport.

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