In the debate about more climate protection in transport, Transport Minister Volker Wissing opposed a course with general deterioration for certain forms of mobility – for example with less space or parking space for cars in large cities. “If we want to convince people of a different form of mobility, we have to make them attractive, climate-neutral alternative offers that meet their needs and convince them,” said the FDP politician. “Transformation should be seen as progress, not limitation.”
The challenge is to achieve climate neutrality through attractive offers, not through bans, requirements and government restrictions. “Of course, in the end we have to see that pedestrians, bicycles and cars share a limited street space that cannot be expanded at will,” said Wissing. “But we mustn’t play the modes of transport off against each other.” You have to come up with good solutions on the spot. “If a lot of people want to ride their bikes, we need more well-developed bike lanes. Where there are lots of cars, we need proper car lanes. And where there are lots of pedestrians, we need safe footpaths.” It is important to compare the different mobility needs in society with the best possible offer, and this must be climate-neutral.