
Within two decades, Germany’s second largest city will no longer permit a car – fossil fuel or electric powered – within its boundaries.
As part of Hamburg’s “Green Network Plan”, by 2034 the city will only have a cycle, pedestrian and public transport infrastructure. The city certainly lends itself to this with around 40% of greater Hamburg consisting of green areas and parks – these will be connected via pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes. With more and more car-free zones, the plan is to construct more green spaces to help absorb CO2 and regulate the city’s climate.
Speaking to the UK newspaper The Guardian, city spokesman Angelika Fritsch said: “Other cities, including London, have green rings, but the green network will be unique in covering an area from the outskirts to the city centre. In 15 to 20 years you’ll be able to explore the city exclusively on bike and foot.”
It’s certainly an interesting turn of events in a country that not only invented the automobile – if you agree with Daimler-Benz – but is the home to some of the industry’s most successful brands.
Sad news for car fans… especially ones that live in Hamburg.