Written by Vincent Meylan | Online Tutorial Series
Jungfernstieg, an iconic boulevard in Hamburg, Germany, has long been a central hub of cultural, social, and commercial activities. Since 2020, under the leadership of Transport Senator Anjes Tjarks, the area has undergone significant transformations aimed at enhancing its appeal, accessibility, and sustainability. This period has marked a profound shift in how Jungfernstieg is appreciated by both residents and visitors, reflecting broader trends in urban planning and mobility.
If we really want to make Jungfernstieg a private car-free zone, we need to focus entirely on sustainable, public, and non-motorized modes of transport. The aim is to open up the space completely to pedestrians and cyclists, taking into account the needs of retail and accessibility for all residents and visitors.
Complete closure to cars
To make Jungfernstieg a true private car-free zone, all private vehicles, including park-and-ride options, will be removed from the area. This can be achieved through the following measures:
- Strict Closure to Private Vehicles: A complete traffic calming has been implemented with cars only allowed in exceptional cases (e.g., emergency services, certain delivery times). Traffic barriers or gates ensure that only authorized vehicles, such as delivery vehicles, have access.
- No Parking Space for Cars: There are no parking facilities along Jungfernstieg, neither public nor private. This means that access must be by public transport, bicycle, or on foot.
Optimizing Public Transport
- Increase Public Transport: Jungfernstieg should remain well connected by public transport. Bus lines and subway connections in the area should be strengthened, with more frequent departures and shorter intervals, to cover the increasing demand due to the elimination of parking spaces. This ensures that people without a car will have quick access to the area.
- Barrier-free Access to Public Transportation: Accessibility for people with reduced mobility should also be considered. Barrier-free buses and subway stops, as well as sufficient space for wheelchair users or people with baby carriages, should be a matter of course.
Design of the Public Space
- Extended Pedestrian Zone: The entire Jungfernstieg should encourage people to linger and stroll in a pleasant atmosphere thanks to generous sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and green spaces.
- Zoning for Cyclists and Pedestrians: Clear separations between pedestrian and cycle paths are necessary to avoid conflicts and create a safe environment. Additionally, cycling in the pedestrian zone could be permitted at designated times and at low speed.
- Public Art and Green Spaces: The inclusion of art installations, sculptures, and additional green spaces can enhance Jungfernstieg both functionally and aesthetically, bringing the space to life and making it attractive for everyone.
Support for the Retail Trade
Even without car parking facilities, it is important to support the retail trade on Jungfernstieg to attract more visitors and customers:
- Target Group-oriented Incentives for Pedestrians and Cyclists: Stores could introduce special discounts or offers for pedestrians and cyclists. A discount program for customers arriving on foot or by bike could incentivize visits to the car-free zone and encourage local shopping.
- Store Delivery Services: Retailers must continue to offer delivery services to provide a convenient way to shop for customers who do not wish to shop by bike or on foot. These delivery services could be provided by zero-emission vehicles or cargo bikes.
- Events and Experiences: Jungfernstieg could host regular events such as markets, street festivals, open-air concerts, or themed festivals to encourage visitation and make the area even more attractive. Such events could highlight the area’s sustainable focus and promote a sense of community.
Traffic Control and Safety Measures
Strict traffic and security controls are necessary to make Jungfernstieg truly car-free:
- Access Controls: Access for private vehicles could be regulated by mobile barriers or traffic light systems. These controls would ensure that only authorized vehicles (e.g., delivery vehicles at set times) can enter the area.
- Emergency Access for Emergency Services: It must be ensured that emergency vehicles and the fire department have unhindered access to Jungfernstieg in an emergency. This could be achieved through special access routes or agreed release procedures for emergencies.
Education and Communication
To inform citizens and visitors about the changes and promote broad acceptance, continuous information campaigns should be carried out:
- Education about Alternative Means of Transportation: In cooperation with transport companies and cycling initiatives, the city could launch educational campaigns to encourage people to switch to public transport and cycling.
- Information Centers and Online Services: To inform visitors about traffic rules and the best ways to get there, information centers could be provided on Jungfernstieg as well as a well-maintained website or app that always offers up-to-date information about public transport and bicycle parking options.
Conclusion
The creation of a private car-free zone on Jungfernstieg (with the exception of delivery traffic) can lead to a significant improvement in the quality of life for residents and visitors. The area will become safer, greener, and more livable, making it more attractive as both an urban meeting place and a sustainable business district.
By providing consumption and non-consumption free spaces, such as a café, a bar for non-alcoholic drinks, and an ice cream parlor, further improvements can be achieved. Through the targeted promotion of public transport, bicycle use, and a creative redesign of the public space, Jungfernstieg will become a prime example of modern, sustainable urban design. It is important to communicate this transition and support the retail sector with appropriate incentives and infrastructure.
