Berlin – First a disclaimer: The author of these lines never owned a car, is a pedestrian and cyclist. Nevertheless, something bothers him about the concept of the Kiezblocks that are sprouting up all over Berlin: pillars, bollards or buckets that block the passage of cars, based on models in Barcelona, Paris or Amsterdam. There are 51 Kiezblock initiatives in Berlin, the Changing Cities association calls for 180 traffic-calmed areas.
Above all, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg is a pioneer and experimental space, the green district government created facts in many places during the pandemic, in the Bergmann or Wrangelkiez. It’s also attractive: Instead of long debates and proceedings, the district can act quickly here, and show itself actively before the elections. Many children enjoyed the newly created play streets in lockdown. But what about those who are not happy? Residents who are dependent on the car, for work or health, the small shops that need supplies?
There are exceptions for them, but few. Their concerns are often wiped away as forever-yesterday. Some people move away from livelier neighborhoods because they are louder and more expensive. The traffic is shifting to the surrounding streets, sometimes creating chaos instead of calming down.
Every measure has consequences, both positive and negative. Lengthy processes are annoying, but they help to see all sides. No neighborhood is an island that should create facts at the expense of others. Of course, one will never satisfy all parties. In the inner city area, not everyone needs a car; many voluntarily do without one. But forcing people to renounce with a fait accompli is the wrong way to go.
Discussions with opponents and minorities are exhausting, but that is democracy. So please: no discourse-calmed zones in Berlin.