Mobility Policy in Braunschweig: Focus on Safety, Infrastructure, and Traffic Calming in February 2026

Traffic Calming Gains Momentum – Success in Calvördestraße

The implementation of a one-way street regulation in Calvördestraße is a good example of the effectiveness of traffic calming measures. Since its introduction in January 2025, there has been a significant reduction in through-traffic. Camera counts between August 2024 and September 2025 show that the regulation not only reduced the number of motor vehicles but was also accepted in the long term by local residents. Although there were initially considerable complaints, the number of violations of the driving direction decreased over the course of 2025, and many responses were positive. The experience in Calvördestraße could serve as a model for other districts facing similar through-traffic problems.

Safety for Pedestrians and Access for People with Disabilities

Another focus was ensuring visibility for people with mobility impairments and emergency vehicles. In connection with the crosswalk at Juliusstraße 2, surfaces on the carriageway were marked to prevent parking directly in front of the crossing. This not only improves the entry and exit for emergency vehicles and disabled transport, but also enhances overall road safety. The measure was implemented as part of ongoing marking works, showing that such improvements can often be made without additional investment.

Further Development of Cycling Infrastructure – From Pictograms to Bike Racks

The city is continuing to expand its cycling infrastructure, particularly in the Western Ring area. It was decided to install a larger bicycle pictogram on the cycle path "Am Hohen Tore" to improve orientation for cyclists. At the same time, inquiries were made about installing bike racks along Celler Straße, but the administration argued against a further expansion. The reason: the remaining sidewalk width of 1.50 m would not be sufficient to ensure pedestrian traffic. This reflects the ongoing debate over road space, in which compromises between different road users must be continually negotiated.

Public Wi-Fi as Part of Neighbourhood Development

Another highlight was the initiative by the SPD parliamentary group to install public Wi-Fi at central neighborhood squares. Proposed locations included the Frankfurter Platz, the Westbahnhof, and the Johannes-Selenka-Platz. This measure is part of an overall neighborhood development strategy that aims not only to improve traffic but also the quality of public space. The proposal was positively received by the district council 310 and is an example of how digital infrastructure can be integrated into urban mobility concepts.

Conclusion: Mobility Policy in Transition

February 2026 shows that Braunschweig is on the way to developing a mobility concept that focuses on safety, sustainability, and adaptability. The successes in Calvördestraße, the safety measures at crosswalks, and the expansion of cycling infrastructure are steps in the right direction. At the same time, the balance between different road users remains a challenge – especially when it comes to the distribution of road space. In the coming months, it will be important to evaluate pilot projects and use experiences to further refine mobility policy.