Cologne makes school routes safer: New zebra crossing in Brück!

Cologne makes school routes safer: New zebra crossing in Brück!

Something is happening in Cologne in the Brück and Rodenkirchen districts! The city has launched several construction measures to increase traffic safety and, above all, to make the journey to school safer for children. From August 11th to 22nd, a new zebra crossing will be set up on the Brücker Mauspfad in Brück. This is an important step in providing school children with a safe crossing while also eliminating roadway damage. A mobile traffic light system will be used to regulate traffic during this work, so that all road users will get their money's worth.

However, what awaits drivers in Rodenkirchen from August 18th is quite something: a new roundabout will be built at the intersection of Sürther Straße and Grün beltstraße. This is scheduled to take place in two construction phases by the end of February 2026. First, the junction with Grüngurtelstraße/Ahrstraße/Sürther Straße will be completely closed, before the junction with Grün beltstraße will also be closed. Another important piece of information for commuters: From next weekend, Inner Kanalstrasse between Escher Strasse and “Am Gleisdreick” will be closed for a few days. This is happening as part of renovation work on a railway bridge by Deutsche Bahn.

Safety at zebra crossings

The importance of a well-planned zebra crossing is evident not only in Cologne, but also throughout Germany. The term “zebra crossing” may have a funny origin, but it has serious meaning for many road users. Did you know that the first German zebra crossing was known as the “Dickstrichkette” in Munich in 1952? Just two years later, the Hamburg police established the term “Zebra” with the help of a campaign. Drivers who stopped at zebra crossings even received a sticker as a reward for their considerate driving style. This little story reminds us how important it is to maintain good behavior in traffic at zebra crossings.

Rule number one is: Pedestrians and wheelchair users have priority in the zebra crossing. Drivers are required by law to stop if someone is crossing the crossing. Violation of this regulation will be punished severely - with a fine of at least 80 euros. It is particularly important that not only lines up to five meters in front of the zebra crossing must remain free, but also that cyclists do not have any privileges unless they get off and push their bikes. Anyone who does not follow these rules risks both fines and accidents.

Wrong behavior in traffic

Misunderstandings at zebra crossings are not uncommon. Drivers often do not take sufficient notice of pedestrians' actions or misinterpret the situation. The markings at the zebra crossing are clear: they are visible through special markings and signage (such as sign 293), even if such details can quickly be forgotten in the emerging construction phase.

Therefore: Particular caution is required when driving over a zebra crossing. Drivers should always approach the crossing at a moderate speed and stop if in doubt. Pedestrians, on the other hand, must remember to make sure they can cross safely, especially on busy streets. According to the StVO, all road users must take the needs of the weaker people into account. And that doesn't just apply to Cologne, but to all of Germany!