In order to achieve a turnaround in traffic in Hessen, several associations have started collecting signatures. You want to get a referendum approved at the state level, the goal is around 45,000 signatures. The General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) Hessen, the Fußgängerverband Fuss eV, the Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD) and the initiatives of the Radentscheide Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Kassel and Offenbach presented their plans on Wednesday in Frankfurt.
“Hessen needs a real traffic turnaround in order to achieve good mobility for everyone, more traffic safety, a higher quality of life in cities and municipalities and effective climate protection”, explain the organizers of their goals. The proportion of environmentally friendly modes of transport – walking, cycling and local public transport – should be increased to a fifth to at least 65 percent of passenger traffic.
To do this, more bike paths, wider sidewalks and streets as well as a public transport network, shorter travel times and higher frequency are necessary. The aim is not to ban the car, but to reduce car traffic, said one of the three people confiding in the project, Stephan Voeth from Darmstadt.
The collection of signatures began on Wednesday in Frankfurt and is then to be expanded to all of Hesse. The initiators rate the chances of success as good. The cycling decisions alone achieved far more than the required signatures, said Robert Wöhler from Kassel, who is also one of the confidants.
There is one year for the collection. If this succeeds, the regional returning officer decides on the admissibility of the referendum. Another signature campaign could then begin – the actual referendum. If it is successful, the state parliament must deal with the proposed law. If the law is not passed, a referendum is possible. The organizers are aiming for the year 2023.
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