Rural areas pave the way for constructing school paths and instituting school safety zones

In an effort to enhance children's safety and promote active, independent travel to school, the Baden-Württemberg government has issued a new decree. This decree provides legal foundations for introducing school streets and school zones, key components of the MOVERS - Actively to School program.

School streets are temporary street closures near schools during specific times for motorized traffic, while school zones are streets permanently closed to motorized traffic, suitable when the street is only needed for the school. These designated areas aim to reduce dangerous situations caused by parent pick-ups in front of schools and provide a safer environment for children.

The MOVERS program, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education, offers diverse support to schools and municipalities, free of charge and tailored to practice. The program supports children and parents in making school commutes safe and independent.

The core of the MOVERS program is the creation of school route plans and a continuous, safe, and attractive infrastructure for the school route. The new decree describes how school streets and school zones can be legally implemented by the responsible authorities.

Since 2022, MOVERS - Actively to School has been supporting children and young people in making their way to school independently. The program is expanded with the new decree, which also introduces two new components for the upcoming school year 2025/2026: school streets and the bicycle traffic badge.

Exceptions can be made for residents or people with disabilities in school streets. School zones can also serve as meeting places for young and old, for playing and socializing.

Transport Minister Winfried Hermann has invited all responsible parties to build school streets and school zones at suitable school locations. The MOVERS toolkit "Visible School Routes" will soon be presented as a new offer for primary schools.

The measures are expected to make a significant impact on school safety, making it easier for municipalities to introduce measures to improve school safety. The MOVERS program, with its focus on creating safe and independent school routes, is a step forward in ensuring the well-being of our children.