Berlin's Future: Cars vs. People 🚦🏙️

THE CAMPAIGN FOR A CAR-FREE BERLIN
A citizen-led campaign is underway in Berlin to create a car-free center, driven by concerns about traffic congestion and its impact on the city. The initiative, spearheaded by engineer Oliver Collmann, aims to fundamentally reshape Berlin’s urban landscape. Heavy traffic, particularly in Friedrichstraße, is a significant problem, with Berliners losing 60 hours annually to congestion. Collmann, previously working on self-driving car software, sought to apply his skills to address broader societal challenges. His group is pursuing a referendum to reduce traffic in the city center, arguing that cars dominate the available space—occupying 75% to 80% of the area.

MODELING A REDESIGNED CITY CENTER
The proposed model involves reclassifying all streets within a 37-kilometer (23-mile) circular railway surrounding Berlin’s center as “car-reduced.” Motorized vehicles would be permitted only for specific instances, such as transporting individuals with mobility limitations, emergency services, or large commercial deliveries. Berliners would be allocated a maximum of 12 driving days per year within the city center. Collmann emphasizes that this isn’t anti-car but “against the overuse of cars and the use of oversized cars in the city area.” The campaign anticipates cleaner air, reduced noise, and increased space for trees, which would mitigate urban heat and improve public health. Trees lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade and cooling through evaporation.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES: LESSONS FROM EUROPEAN CITIES
Several European cities have experimented with traffic reduction strategies, offering valuable insights for Berlin. Oslo, Norway, implemented a car-free program in 2017, prioritizing pedestrians and discouraging private cars through an automated toll system. Electric vehicles pay less to enter the city center, while combustion engine vehicles are charged. A 2020 evaluation showed a 28% decline in traffic within the program area. Vienna, Copenhagen, Barcelona, and Oslo have all implemented similar approaches. Vienna has been experimenting with pedestrian zones. Copenhagen has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure. Barcelona and Oslo have introduced limited traffic zones.

OSLO’S “LIVABLE STREETS” APPROACH
Oslo’s approach goes beyond simply restricting car access. In 2022, the city transformed parts of its central area into “livable streets,” temporarily closing them to private cars and replacing them with benches, seating areas, plant beds, and natural elements. This created a more inviting space for residents of all ages. The city’s pedestrian and cyclist activity increased significantly, rising from 36% in 2014 to 46% in 2023. Despite this shift, 98.1% of new car registrations in Oslo are zero-emission vehicles.

PARIS’S “15-MINUTE CITY” VISION
Paris is pioneering the “15-minute city” concept, designed to ensure that essential services and amenities are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. Urban researcher Carlos Moreno conceived this idea, advocating for calm, tree-lined streets. Paris introduced limited traffic zones at the end of 2024, allowing traffic that starts or ends within the zones but prohibiting through traffic. This resulted in a reduction of approximately 6% in traffic within the restricted zone and 8% in the surrounding area. The French capital’s approach prioritizes public space and sustainable mobility.

THE BERLIN REFERENDUM: A CRITICAL JUNCTURE
The Berlin campaign faces a deadline of May 8 to collect signatures from at least 7% of eligible voters. If successful, residents will have the opportunity to vote on a referendum later this year, potentially shaping the future of the city’s center. This demonstrates the significant public interest in transforming Berlin into a more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable urban environment.