Life on the outskirts: challenges and wishes of families in snow

Life on the outskirts: challenges and wishes of families in snow

on the outskirts of Dortmund, in the rural area of ​​snow, three families live who appreciate relaxed life in nature, but have to fight with challenges in mobility. According to the WAZ report in particular by the siblings Marlene and Karl Heckendorf. The next bus stop is 30 minutes away, which is problematic for the family. Her mother, Susanne Heckendorf, sees the need for a car for everyday family life and emphasizes that everyone should get a driver's license in the household.

The family has been living in snow for over 100 years and does not want to move to the city center. Susanne finds the city center too narrow and uncomfortable. Grandpa Fritz, who is 73 years old, also expresses the desire for a stopping point for a call collection taxi nearby. In addition to a better bus connection, Marlene also wants a more stable internet connection and more shops. Despite these challenges, she emphasizes that she is happy in the green.

rural life and connection

Inga Engelmann, who moved in 2018, enjoys the calm and nature that its large garden plot offers and works as a wilderness teacher. Her children no longer live with her because they have decided against a life in the country. In contrast, Susanne Neumann, who has lived in Buchholz since 2013, estimates the privacy and the large garden of her home. Her sons, 23 and 25 years old, enjoy rural life, but also see the challenges associated with a poor connection to public transport.

The connection is particularly difficult at night, and Susanne has concerns about the internet connection. This topic is also addressed by the Official website Dortmunds where various aspects of mobility and transport infrastructure are discussed.

The challenges of mobility in rural areas

In general, rural regions face special mobility challenges. Studies show that 60% of all routes in rural areas are covered with cars or other motor vehicles, while public transport remains unattractive due to poor clocks and low cover. This leads to a significantly higher CO2 footprint. Many residents complain about the lack of flexibility and the long distances to jobs, schools and leisure activities, which increases the emigration from rural regions, such as the Federal Center for Political Education

The need for new mobility solutions is becoming increasingly clear. Autonomous driving could offer an answer to the existing problems, but must meet the special needs of the rural population. Pilot projects test autonomous shuttles to improve public transport availability, but challenges such as time savings, economic advantages and social acceptance are still in space.

Despite the challenges in rural areas, the residents of snow remain convinced that life in nature is a valuable compromise. The Heckendorfs, Engelmanns and Neumanns represent a rural culture that is well anchored where they live, even if access to mobility and digital services has to be discussed again and again.