Rural areas pave the way for the establishment of school paths and designated school areas

The German Ministry of Transport has issued a new decree as part of the State Program MOVERS - Active to School. This initiative aims to support schools, municipalities, and parents in promoting independence and safety for children in road traffic.

The decree provides clear legal foundations, enabling municipalities to introduce School Streets and School Zones without significant bureaucratic effort. These measures are designed to ensure children can safely walk, scoot, or cycle to school.

School Streets involve temporarily closing street sections near schools to motorized traffic during specific times, such as at the start and end of the school day. School Zones, on the other hand, permanently close streets to motorized traffic, often used as shortcuts by drivers. Both can be redesigned as meeting places for children and the community.

Exceptions to the motorized traffic restrictions in School Streets can be made for residents and people with disabilities. The initiative also includes establishing school streets with visible signage, allowing these on all suitable roads without the need for expert reports.

Close cooperation among municipalities, schools, and traffic authorities is a core component of the program. Designated pick-up and drop-off zones away from the school are also encouraged to reduce direct traffic. The program offers a cycling badge for children and the "Visible School Routes" toolkit to make the school commute safer and more independent from parental car transport.

Individualized consultations for schools and communities are also available to help implement these measures. Transport Minister Winfried Hermann encourages municipalities to build School Streets and School Zones at suitable school locations.

The MOVERS – Aktiv zur Schule program, initiated by the Ministry of Transport and developed together with the Ministries of the Interior and Education, also provides municipalities with practical support. This includes a consultation offer and comprehensive information material for implementing School Streets and School Zones.

In summary, the new decree aims to support children and parents in making their school journey safer and more independent. By promoting active mobility and reducing traffic near schools, the program seeks to create a safer environment for children while also fostering a sense of community.