Government's Transport Department enables pedestrian-only regions near educational institutions.

In the vibrant town of Öhringen, a new initiative called "Laufbus" is gaining traction, with Miriam Laube inviting more parents to join. This service, currently serving three routes to Schillerschule, allows parents to take turns picking up primary school children who wait at agreed places, ensuring a safe journey home.

The "Laufbus" initiative is part of the state program "Movers - Active to School," which aims to promote safe and active travel to schools. Minister of Education Theresa Schopper supports this initiative, emphasizing the benefits of movement for children.

Across the region, initiatives for safe school routes are showing promising results. Since 1990, the number of children dying and being injured in traffic accidents in Baden-Württemberg has significantly decreased.

Heilbronn, another bustling district town, has already implemented traffic regulations to ensure the safety of school routes. Changes in traffic guidance and parent drop-off points outside of school streets/school zones have been established at schools in the city. The city is currently examining the possibilities given by the decree for potential implementations of school streets and school zones.

Suse Bucher-Pinell, press spokesperson for the city of Heilbronn, serves as the main contact person for media and public communications, but there is no public evidence that she has specifically reported on measures to secure school routes.

The local police and the city's public order office in Heilbronn organize annual actions at schools at the start of the school year to sensitize parents. Measures such as preventing cars from parking in second rows or turning on sidewalks in front of schools are part of these efforts.

School zones involve the permanent closure of the street, while school streets involve sections in the immediate vicinity of the school being closed to motorized traffic for a limited period at the beginning and end of the school day.

The Working Group for Bike and Pedestrian-Friendly Communities in Baden-Württemberg e. V. (AGFK-BW) offers concrete suggestions to make routes even safer. These include the implementation of crossing points and secure bicycle and scooter parking on school grounds.

In neighbouring Neuenstein, efforts have been made to encourage parents to let their children walk the last meters to school. Bonus points have been offered for those who did not come by "parent taxi."

Walking to school with friends not only provides a part of their daily exercise, according to the Minister, but it is also enjoyable. The goal of these initiatives is to support children and parents in shaping their school journey safely and independently, fostering a healthier and more enjoyable school environment for all.