Environment

The Green Network: How Hamburg could be car-free in 20 years

The Green Network: How Hamburg could be car-free in 20 years
The green network is designed to encourage outdoor activities along with mitigating the impact of climate change and flooding
The green network is designed to encourage outdoor activities along with mitigating the impact of climate change and flooding
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As it stands, around half of the land making up Hamburg
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As it stands, around half of the land making up Hamburg
The green network is designed to encourage outdoor activities along with mitigating the impact of climate change and flooding
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The green network is designed to encourage outdoor activities along with mitigating the impact of climate change and flooding
In addition to building new routes for a better connected city, the plan involves significant upgrades to existing paths and spaces
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In addition to building new routes for a better connected city, the plan involves significant upgrades to existing paths and spaces
The plan includes improving and connecting large parks in the inner city
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The plan includes improving and connecting large parks in the inner city
The plan includes closing gaps in the outer ring along with improved signposting and installation of new facilities
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The plan includes closing gaps in the outer ring along with improved signposting and installation of new facilities
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Its hard to imagine a major metropolis devoid of cars in any country, let alone in the home of celebrated brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Germany's affection for all things automotive may be in for a shake up however, with the city of Hamburg setting the wheels in motion for its "Green Network," a bold plan make cars an optional mode of transport in the city within 15-20 years.

As it stands, around half of the land making up Hamburg, Germany's second largest city, is covered by green and public open spaces. These parks, play areas, sports grounds and cemeteries are scattered from the inner city to the outskirts, with many already joined by two "Green Rings." One of the rings borders the inner city with a radius of around 1 km (0.62 miles) from Hamburg's city hall, the second a little further out with a radius of 8-10 km (5-6.2 miles).

In creating the Green Network, the aim is to better connect these spaces by building a network of closed walking and cycling paths isolated from motor traffic. This will in turn promote recreational activities and champion Hamburg's status as a green metropolis.

As it stands, around half of the land making up Hamburg
As it stands, around half of the land making up Hamburg

In addition to building new routes for a better connected city, the plan involves significant upgrades to existing paths and spaces. This means improving and connecting large parks in the inner city and closing gaps in the outer ring, along with improved signposting and installation of new facilities.

Along with encouraging outdoor activities and promoting walking and cycling as form of transport, the additional green infrastructure will also absorbing water in the case of rain and flooding.

"The green network makes sense from a climate change adaptation perspective, especially since our residents are quite progressive when it comes to climate change adaptation. Many Hamburgers are willing to give up their cars, which is very unusual in Germany," Jens Kerstan, leader of the Greens Party in Hamburg's state parliament told The Guardian.

Source: Green Network

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3 comments
3 comments
Andre
Hello: Yet another horror story ! They'd better use those spaces as parking lots so there is easier access to the city, easier access to the shopping and other services. Hey people ! this is the 21st century, wake up, go forward, not backwards.
Ilya Katsnelson
@Andre: you are joking right?
This is a great idea. More cars means more pollution, sprawl, more money on drainage systems, and health problems. We've had enough of this 'joy' here in US where in some places there are no sidewalks. Making a city green will provide all sorts of benefits including better quality of life.
weissjohn
So how will people move from one residence to another? How will they buy new furniture like a baby crib? You can't carry that on a bike and it'd be murder moving that on a wagon up hill both ways. What happens if their refrigerator goes? Oh I know, they'll use a horse. Because that would be a very clean and green way to go... Just watch where you step...
Technology ain't bad. We should be moving forward towards clean ways of transport, not backwards to prehistoric means of transport.