Friedrichstrasse in Fulda: Car road remains, pedestrian zone failed!
Friedrichstrasse in Fulda: Car road remains, pedestrian zone failed!
in the Fulda city center, Friedrichstrasse is currently open for car traffic. A new application by the Greens to banish the automotive traffic on this popular street and to design them as a pedestrian zone was rejected. This was decided by a closed coordination in the construction committee of the city, in which the majority factions CDU and FDP voted against the proposal.
The Green Group has been committed to a car -free Friedrichstrasse for decades. City prescribed Ernst Sporer, who is intensively committed to this concern, commented on the rejection: "Steter drops caves the stone", which means that constant efforts can lead to changes in the long term. He emphasized the importance of continuing to put this wish on the agenda, since the street is often closed to various events such as the Christmas market or the street festival.
development opportunities and challenges
In the current application of the Greens, the need for a fundamental redesign of the street is also pointed out. This applies not only to create a pedestrian area, but also to improve accessibility. In order to create more space for stays and social activities, parking spaces and bollards should be removed.
An important point in the application was that Friedrichstrasse ideally should be inaugurated as a pedestrian zone for the 2026 Hessentag. City building councilor Daniel Schreiner, however, made it known that redesign is only considered if a clear political decision is taken. He also confirmed that the road needs a renovation, whereby the necessary work can only begin in the next spring due to delivery delays.
Despite the rejection, Ernst Sporer remains optimistic. He sees a positive development in recent years, especially within the CDU, and believes that the openness to the topic has grown. He humorously expressed the proposal that the Greens could reject their application in the future in order to make it easier to consent to the CDU.
dr. Thomas Bobke from the SPD was also supportive and pointed out that temporary closures work without any problems during the summer events. Nevertheless, the CDU and FDP remained in their negative position. Peter Bleuel from the CDU emphasized that the main goal was to find the best possible solutions for everyone involved. A dialogue with the local entrepreneurs is central, even if they initially reacted critically to the idea of a pedestrian zone. However, some such as the hotel and the Batzhirsch bar show signs of a change in their opinion.
Although the second attempt to create a pedestrian zone has now failed, it can be seen that the discussion about the future of Friedrichstrasse in the ranks of the city council must be continued. It is already clear that the debate will not end in the coming months.