Graz
Post date: 2010.12.4 21:21:04
Graz have introduced an innovative "onion skin model" for strolling zones. The outer "skin" of the onion, created within Trendsetter, are zones where cars are limited but not prohibited, and the space reserved for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as for cafés and restaurants is increased.
In the inner city of Graz, large areas are reserved for pedestrians. Outside these areas, however, the traffic was earlier heavy and the walk to reach the pedestrian areas was sometime unsafe and unattractive. To improve the situation an ”onion skin model” has been used. The pedestrian area is now the core of this onion, while the inner skin also permit bicyclists. The second skin is the strolling zones, implemented within Trendsetter. Here cars are limited but not prohibited, and the space reserved for pedestrians and bicyclists as well as for cafés and restaurants has increased. Shop owners within the new strolling zones have been a special target group for the project. They have been actively involved in project planning and evaluation. Freiheitsplatz:Parking spots were restricted from 80 to 40 in total mainly reserved for residents and handicapped people. The central spot around the monument is a “strolling zone” for pedestrians and also includes a café with an outdoor garden, which is heavily frequented during summer months. The square was equipped with additional cycle racks for cyclists and trees.
