Bike Model District “Alte Neustadt” in Bremen

Abstract

How to transform existing urban structures into zero emission cities by 2050 - especially if money is rare? The School of Architecture Bremen (SoAB) at the City’s University of Applied Science have initiated an innovative and collaborative project for the further development of the university’s neighbourhood, the “Alte Neustadt”. SoAB participated in the national climate protection by bicycle traffic competition and was granted funding for the transformation of the district into Germany’s first bicycle zone. In cooperation with the city district, NGO's, cultural institutions, and other neighbourhood organisations, a network of bicycle streets in connection with new bicycle highways will be installed. By 2020 comprehensive new bicycle parking areas will be finished, as well as new cyclist and pedestrian friendly crossings over the main roads. The campus’ main street will be transformed into an “Open Campus” for the university and the neighbourhood. A multifunctional “Bike Repair Café” with cargo bike sharing and bike rental facilities will enhance the district’s transformation even further, thus creating a space to reflect environmental problems to be solved. The bike model district “Alte Neustadt“ is just a small step in the right direction, but a huge improvement of the district’s quality of life.