Verkehrsberuhigung in Berlin

This meta-study examines the effects, public perception, and discursive framing of large-scale traffic calming in Berlin. Combining accident data, survey evaluations, and discourse analysis, it provides the first integrated assessment of Berlin’s Kiezblock -projects. Findings show signifi-cant improvements in traffic safety, noise reduction, and public-space quality, particularly benefiting children, seniors, and pedestrians. Yet recurring issues – parking shortages, delivery logistics, and pedestrian-cyclist conflicts – remain central to local debates. Acceptance is shaped less by neighbourhood context than by mobility patterns, design coherence, and quality of participation. International case studies from Barcelona, London, and Paris confirm the robustness of these effects: traffic calming achieves lasting impacts when implemented at scale, aligned with social engagement, political backing, and clear communication. The study concludes that Berlin’s future mobility policy should pursue an integrated approach linking safety, design, and governance to foster public trust and resilience in urban mobility transformation.