BUND, ADFC, Nextbike: Associations and companies insist on the Berlin Mobility Act in an open letter

More than 70 Berlin associations, organizations and companies have spoken out in favor of maintaining the Mobility Act. In an open letter to Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) and the CDU and SPD factions, they criticize possible changes to the law passed by the red-red-green Senate in 2018 and later expanded, which allows pedestrians, cyclists and public transport in transport planning given priority.

“The Mobility Act is a jointly developed plan to enable safe, climate-friendly, economically and socially balanced mobility for all people and companies in and around Berlin,” says the letter published by the Changing Cities association on Friday.

In order to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, CO₂ emissions should be halved by 2030, the signatories argue. “The Mobility Act is the key to this.” The proposed changes from the CDU parliamentary group abandoned this goal.

“De facto it’s about stabilizing vehicle traffic,” is a central point of criticism. “With ideas from yesterday – for example a car-friendly city – we cannot solve the problems of today and tomorrow.” Changing Cities fears that the expansion of cycling in particular will be significantly restricted.

Many people in Berlin wanted to walk, cycle and use public transport. “But the infrastructure and offerings are so inadequate that many people consider a car necessary as a mobility reserve.” The Mobility Act was intended to expand public transport and cycle paths. “We therefore appeal to everyone who cares about Berlin, especially to the SPD parliamentary group and all political forces that jointly created the Mobility Act, to reject this proposal completely.”

The open letter was signed by, among others, the Berlin regional association in the German Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), the German Environmental Aid, Greenpeace Berlin, the Deutschland Nordost transport club, the ADFC Berlin, the Berlin local group Architects for Future, attac Berlin, several scientists and Companies like Nextbike or Business on Wheels. (dpa)