Klettenberg: Pedestrians in danger – cars block sidewalks!

Klettenberg: Pedestrians in danger – cars block sidewalks!

In Klettenberg it is becoming increasingly challenging to find a footpath that can actually be used as such. Residents repeatedly report that the sidewalks there are narrow and often blocked, which makes getting around much more difficult for citizens. An initiative made up of committed Klettenbergers, which also includes members of Fuß e.V., “Grannies for Future” and the “Klettenplöpf” group, recently documented the critical situation on site through a comprehensive inspection of the sidewalks. Cologne City Gazette reports that the problems are particularly evident on Petersbergstrasse, where many cars park at an angle and even on the sidewalk. This not only limits space for pedestrians, but also poses a risk for people who rely on walkers or strollers.

Freight vehicles, scooters and bicycles parked on Petersbergstrasse and in the surrounding area repeatedly block the sidewalk. The situation is so precarious that residents at the intersection of Petersbergstrasse and Siebengebirgsallee and on many other corners recognize the need to do something. Here, vehicles are often parked in such a way that they obstruct pedestrian traffic, which is particularly dangerous for children on their way to the community elementary school.

initiatives and demands

The committed group of residents has formulated clear demands. She urges that prohibited perpendicular parking and parking on sidewalks be consistently punished. Especially on Breibergstrasse, cars are often parked on one side of the sidewalk, which dramatically reduces the width of the passage for pedestrians. Press releases from the city administration show that traffic lawyers point out that parking motor vehicles on sidewalks is generally prohibited unless a corresponding traffic sign allows this. But even then, parking bicycles and e-scooters is only permitted as long as no pedestrians are obstructed. Sos traffic law explains the legal basis: Sidewalks are public traffic areas that can generally only be used for pedestrian traffic.

The initiative sees a further problem in the fact that, according to current regulations, the usable sidewalk width should be 1.80 meters, but the total width must be 2.50 meters. However, these regulations are not always binding, which is why it is time to review and enforce these regulations. The city is also in favor of creating new parking spaces for bicycles, rental bikes and e-scooters in the future in order to sustainably improve the situation. City spokesman Robert Baumanns has announced that Petersbergstrasse will be converted into a bicycle street and that parking there will be regulated. This could be a significant relief for pedestrians.

The challenges remain

The problem of blocked sidewalks is not an isolated case in Klettenberg. There are difficulties with blocked sidewalks throughout Cologne. Go right emphasizes that structural regulations are crucial for the safety and comfort of pedestrians. Walkways must be kept clear of obstacles and should be sufficiently wide to ensure safe passage.

The attention gained by the residents' initiative could be a first step towards eliminating the existing grievances and increasing safety for all pedestrians, especially for children and people with mobility restrictions. The demands are clear: improved traffic infrastructure and consistent compliance with the regulations are essential to sustainably increase the quality of life in Klettenberg and to ensure that no one has to complete an obstacle course in search of an undisturbed sidewalk.