Mobility in Witten – April 2026: New Paths for a Sustainable City

Change in Traffic: Witten is Focusing on Sustainability and Accessibility

In April 2026, Witten prioritized numerous measures in the areas of mobility and transport. With a clear focus on climate protection, safety, and barrier-free accessibility, the city is promoting innovation and public participation to redesign public space. The decisions of the Committee for Mobility and Transport show how Witten is positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainable transport policy.

Carsharing as a Climate-Friendly Alternative

One of the central topics was the introduction of a car-sharing offer in Witten. In cooperation with an external provider, 20 vehicles are to be made available initially. This initiative is not only a step toward reducing individual car ownership but also a contribution to lowering CO₂ emissions. Statistically, one car-sharing vehicle replaces an average of 23 private cars, with 13% of the fleet already consisting of electric vehicles.

The city plans pilot phases to examine the implementation from an urban planning, legal, and traffic perspective. The involvement of citizens is crucial – both for selecting locations and for designing parking spaces. The administration will report to the committee on approval models and possible pilot projects.

Accessibility and Safety for Pedestrians

Another central topic was accessibility and pedestrian safety. The final report of the Pedestrian Traffic Check 2025 identified numerous shortcomings in the city: missing crossing options, insufficient sidewalk development, and a lack of tactile guidance systems for visually impaired people.

The city now plans measures for improvement, including the installation of sidewalk extensions, barrier-free crossings, and zebra crossings. Particularly problematic are roundabouts like the one on Gartenstraße, where a review is currently underway to determine whether zebra crossings can be established. In addition, the Uthmannstraße is being considered as a pilot project for a traffic-calmed town center.

30 km/h Zones and Road Construction

Speed in road traffic is another focus. In Rüsbergstraße, it has already been decided to reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h to increase road user safety and reduce emissions at the same time. The cost of the signs is only €449.42, showing that small measures can have significant effects.

In road construction, the Marienstraße is the focus. The first construction phase will be implemented in summer 2026 with a total cost of €812,000. The measure will be funded for 80% by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The goal is to renew the road surface, sidewalks, and barrier-free crossings. The construction work is expected to be completed by September 2026.

Communication and Public Participation

Sustainable transport policy not only requires technical solutions but also the involvement of citizens. In recent months, several workshops and site visits took place, involving students, parents, and teachers. The final workshop of the Pedestrian Traffic Check on 28.10.2025 brought together around 30 participants to discuss and prioritize measures.

The city communicates about construction sites and plans via its own website, ensuring that residents and users of public space are always informed. A special role is also played by the final report, which will be presented in the committee in April 2026 and summarizes the results of the entire participation process.

Outlook: Witten as a Model City for Mobility

The decisions of April 2026 show that Witten is on the best path to establishing a modern, sustainable, and barrier-free mobility system. The combination of car-sharing, 30 km/h zones, barrier-free sidewalks, and active public participation makes the city a model in the regional comparison.

The next steps will show whether Witten remains successful in implementing these plans. But one thing is already clear: The city is relying on innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion – three pillars on which modern transport policy must stand.