Quality of life in Leipzig: Superblocks for more security and freedom!

Quality of life in Leipzig: Superblocks for more security and freedom!

Neustadt-Neuschönefeld, Deutschland - More and more cities are facing the challenge of improving the quality of life of their residents in the face of growing population and climate change. In Leipzig, the Superblocks project, initiated by residents and supported by the Federal Ministry of Living, Urban Development and Building, has the goal of increasing the quality of stay in urban areas through traffic -calmed areas. Matthias Petzold, resident and member of the "Superblocks Leipzig" association, explains the motivation behind this commitment, which is about increasing traffic in secondary roads.

Since May 2023, the pilot project in the district north of Eisenbahnstrasse has been implemented, with a special focus on Hildegardstrasse between Eisenbahnstrasse and Ludwigstrasse. The equipment of the super blocks not only includes benches and shady areas, but also raised beds and cooling zones with water features that should help to regain the street space for people.

goals and measures

The main goal of the super blocks in Leipzig is to create a safe environment for all road users. This includes resident, children, people with disabilities and cyclists. In order to reduce through traffic, bollards are installed and traffic -calmed areas are created. All houses and shops remain available, but not as consistently as before. The flow of traffic remains preserved, and cars are not completely excluded, but are directed to regulated lanes.

The initiative not only promotes foot and bicycle traffic, but also intelligent mobility solutions such as car sharing and logistics offers. Another aspect is the inclusion of the resident in urban development processes in order to increase transparency and acceptance for the changes.

positive response and other plans

The project has already experienced a positive response and is seen as a finalist at the Saxon investment award 2024. If you want to pursue the developments around the super blocks or express suggestions and criticism, you have the opportunity to do so at public events or directly to the city of Leipzig. The approach is currently very popular because many people live in the district without their own car, including numerous children and cyclists.

The city of Leipzig plans to announce an official traffic concept. However, false messages are also circulating that negatively influence the mood around the project. A political vote on the course of the project is planned for March 2024. If successful, the concept of the super blocks could also be extended to other street spaces, for example with the idea of ​​creating a safe bicycle road between the city center and the Torgauer Platz.

Overall, the project in Leipzig shows that innovative approaches to traffic calming and promoting sustainable mobility are not only possible, but are also welcomed while creating space for discussions and citizen engagement.

For more information about the project and upcoming actions, please visit mdr.de or Superblocks-leipzig.de.