Rheine. Attractive, barrier-free footpaths are not only the basis for self-determined mobility, but also contribute to a better quality of stay as well as safety. Against this background, the mobility and traffic planning department of the city of Rheine, in accordance with a resolution of the building and mobility committee, carries out regular pedestrian traffic checks in the urban areas of Rheine.
The aim of a pedestrian traffic check, which was recently attended by, among others, parents’ representatives, the senior citizens’ advisory council, the school guardians’ association, the advisory council for people with disabilities, and citizens from Rodde and Kanalhafen, is to draw up a catalog of measures to eliminate weak points or danger spots.
In preparation for the walk-through, citizens from Rodde/Kanalhafen were asked to provide suggestions for possible improvements. Martin Forstmann of the technical enterprises Rheine could announce to the participants of the inspection thus already the execution of first structural conversions. Along Kanalstraße, curbs were lowered at short notice, which now ensure greater safety on routes to school.
The main points of the inspection were the review of the situation at the railroad crossing, various improvement options for school bus traffic and the situation at the railroad crossing in Rodde. Thomas Roling, head of mobility and traffic planning, explained that a widening of the rail tunnel, which could be carried out in the course of the new construction of the rail bridge over the canal, unfortunately fails due to the costs. In order to improve the situation, however, the traffic expert suggested that following the new construction, a 2 m wide sidewalk/bicycle path be realized under the bridge and the roadway be reduced from 5.00 m to 4.00 m. This would improve traffic safety for schoolchildren and children. This would significantly improve traffic safety for schoolchildren, senior citizens and pedestrians in general.
Minor deficiencies that were registered during the inspection will be remedied by Technische Betriebe in the short term. All other suggestions from the footpath check in Rodde/Kanalhafen will be documented, prioritized and forwarded to the responsible building committee for consultation.
The implementation of the pedestrian traffic checks will be continued. The next event for this will take place in AltenRheine in spring 2024.
Photo: City Rheine