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Rüsselsheim's bold new traffic safety measures protect schoolchildren this year

From 'Frankfurt Hats' to raised curbs, this German city is transforming school zones. Will parents finally ditch the car for safer, walkable streets?

The image shows a road with a sign on the side that reads "Reduce Speed Accident Prone Area School...
The image shows a road with a sign on the side that reads "Reduce Speed Accident Prone Area School Zone Ahead". There is a person standing on the left side of the road, and in the background there are trees, poles, wires, a house, and the sky.

Rüsselsheim's bold new traffic safety measures protect schoolchildren this year

Rüsselsheim am Main has rolled out new traffic safety measures near schools ahead of the new academic year. The city’s School Mobility Plan aims to protect younger primary students and encourage walking to school. Officials say the changes will improve concentration, independence, and road awareness among children. At Königstädten Primary School, 'Frankfurt Hats' were installed in mid-June to prevent illegal parking on sidewalks. These barriers ensure clear sightlines at high-risk spots, making it safer for students to cross roads. City Councilor Simon Valerius explained that the measures keep sidewalks and crossings free from parked vehicles.

At Immanuel Kant School, 'Berlin Cushions' and raised curbs have been added to slow motorised traffic. Road humps further improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and pupils. The city and schools are also asking parents to avoid driving children directly to the school gates.

The goal is to reduce drop-off and pick-up congestion while encouraging more students to walk. Regular walking is said to boost concentration, spatial awareness, and traffic attentiveness in younger children. The new safety features form part of Rüsselsheim’s wider School Mobility Plan. They aim to create a safer environment for children travelling to and from school. Officials hope the changes will also ease traffic around school entrances during peak times.

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