Traffic attempts in Cologne: A step to safe mobility?

Traffic attempts in Cologne: A step to safe mobility?

The Venloer Strasse in Cologne for the time being remains a one -way street. This decision follows a traffic attempt that has existed since October 2023. According to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger , the traffic situation in Ehrenfeld has changed positively. The increase in traffic safety is particularly important for cyclists, since the number of accidents has dropped with them, especially Dooring accidents. Pedestrians also benefit from the conversion into a residential road on Piusstraße.

The results of this traffic attempt will be presented in May 2025, with the administration's plans to provide for the concept to be established as a permanent facility in the long term. The head of traffic Ascan Egerer also reported a sunken traffic on Venloer Straße, supported by speed measurements that show a clear decrease in the pace.

traffic safety and developments

As part of the project, it was found that the traffic at 27 intersections and 15 other places between 2022 and 2024 significantly reduced. Last but not least, these changes are due to renovation work and the effects of corona pandemic, which also led to a decline in traffic on adjacent roads such as Vogelsanger Strasse and Subelrather Strasse. A minimal increase in accidents with pedestrians was documented, which may be a consequence of sunken traffic.

The ADFC emphasizes that the amendment to the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) in April 2020 made the framework for such traffic tests considerably easier. In particular, no special local danger sites have to be proven in order to introduce testing measures. Instead, an appropriate and convincing reason is sufficient. The goal is to make the street spaces more secure for weaker road users.

According to a study on traffic safety, 55 percent of the inner -city accidents in Germany are affected by pedestrians and cyclists. This underlines the urgency of measures to improve security, especially in urban zones such as Ehrenfeld. While the measures to increase traffic safety are often not considered the main focus of the traffic attempts, they can still show essential side effects.

outlook for the future

Development on Venloer Straße could have long -term positive effects on gastronomy and service industry, since initial knowledge suggests that these areas can benefit from a safer and more attractive street environment. However, scientists recommend continuously observing the number of customers and sales.

Overall, it can be seen that Cologne's traffic attempts, initiated by the new legal framework, can be a successful example of urban planners. In view of the positive results, it is recommended to make other streets in Cologne in a similar way in order to increase the quality of life and security in urban space in a similar way. Therefore, it remains to be seen how the situation in Ehrenfeld and other planned projects will develop.