In Berlin, non-governmental organisation Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) implemednted the project "Pop-up Republic: New Mobility Berlin", aimed at collecting, processing and analysing environmental data in order to objectify discussions about sustainable mobility and traffic transition in the city. DUH used data on air quality, noise level and urban traffic from local sources, along with other tools to accelerate the city’s progress toward its air quality and carbon-free transport goals.
In total, DUH analysed nine measures implemented in eight areas of the city of Berlin regarding pop-up cycle lanes, 30 km/h speed limit, parking spaces and traffic calming. The results are detailed in the Manual Mobility Transition of Berlin, an online handbook in English and German, aimed at collecting facts and ideas that will accelerate the mobility transition. The assessed locations and measures are listed below:
“Our cities are clogged by car traffic. To meet climate targets, reduce noise pollution and improve air quality, we need safe bike lanes throughout our cities and half as many cars in the short term. By installing pop-up bike lanes, more and more cities are showing how easily and quickly cycling can be promoted. Our research shows: it works! Bicycle traffic has tripled, the number of cars has decreased by 22%, and air quality has improved significantly. What is your city waiting for?"
Hanna Rhein, Project Manager
The "Pop-up Republic: New Mobility Berlin" examined the impact of implemented measures for transforming transport. Not only environmental parameters such as local air quality played a role, but also data on bicycle and pedestrian traffic volume. The latter is crucial in order to be able to draw conclusions on the potential for reducing greenhouse gases. If no public data is available, our own measurements and counts are carried out.
The selected study areas in five Berlin districts cover the three main measures being investigated in the project: Cycle lanes, parking space management and speed reductions – or a combination of these measures. Assuming an improved situation that has been proven as a result of the measures undertaken, the aim is to strengthen their acceptance and implementation throughout Berlin.
The project team collected data on motor vehicle traffic, bicycle traffic, and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2).
To read the completed methodological process, click here.
Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) is a politically independent organization promoting the protection of the environment, nature and consumers. It operates mostly at national and European level and it is a registered non-profit organization that is authorized to institute legal proceedings. DUH advocates sustainable lifestyles and economic systems that respect environmental boundaries.
The ICLEI Action Fund selected DUH's proposal based on its expertise and strong capacity to showcase the impact of transport measures in urban air quality and how air pollution data contributes to city transitions in mobility. No actions implemented, but do evaluates results which might be of value. In addition, the clear data-analysis process to be used in the project and the committed support of the Berlin Senate and selected districts of the city were important points for its selection.
