It’s good to see good news about Germany and cycling, and the ever interesting Copenhagenize blog has provided some with News that the German government has started a campaign called “Kopf An, Motor Aus” (‘Brain on, Motor off’) which is appropriate as I seem to see drivers doing the exact opposite every day.
That’s enough of my cynicism. Several cities are involved at the moment, trying to get people to walk or cycle for distances of 6km or less, instead of using their car. Posters are “cheeky, fun, ironic or serious” according to the website and “found wherever cars are” Dortmund’s massive poster “A huge thank you to cyclists” is catching most of the limelight for sheer drama, but my personal favourite is the flag Karlsruhe are using by cycle parking areas: “Reserved for climate heroes”. Of course, Karlsruhe is one of the better cities for cycling and public transport, so it’s fair enough in their case.
This year there are four cities involved: there is a competition for 25 more next year and some are local to us. But Stuttgart and Ostfildern are not. What a surprise. I expect if I ask we’ll be told the usual excuses a valid reason for this.
Another initiative is free hugs for cyclists, pedestrians, and other climate heroes, but as the video shows, drivers need not apply.
I can’t help feeling that more infrastructure would be more profitable long-term, and the cynic in me resurfaces when I remember this is the same government that was paying people to buy cars earlier this year, but at least there’s a growing awareness that getting people walking and cycling is good for cities and for people. You never know, the tide may be changing. If things carry on like this, Ostfildern may even notice.
The website is at http://www.kopf-an.de/
5 comments
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November 27, 2009 at 11:05 pm
oldfool
I could use one of those hugs about now.
November 28, 2009 at 4:55 am
Groover
Hey, don’t be too critical. At least they are doing something and they put some thought into those campaigns. Warmed my heart for sure, especially right now when Australia is struggling to get an emission trading scheme through parliament! You guys are way ahead!
November 29, 2009 at 10:39 am
Nick
OK, so in terms of what needs to be done it’s pathetic – but it’s at least something above and beyond preaching to the already converted, which is what most environmental activity tends to be about. Or am I being too cynical?
December 23, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Andy in Germany
Oh, dear, I didn’t mean this to be over critical: actually I think it’s great that these cities are doing something. Looks like I need to rethink how I write about stuff if that’s how it came across…
January 3, 2010 at 5:09 pm
Simon
I’d love to see a campaign like this with a slogan like “Use your brain, morons”. 🙂
As noted on the Copenhagenize blog, they also should embrace public transport more.