Berlin’s iconic Friedrichstrasse became the focus of Germany’s urban mobility debate when, in August 2020, city authorities launched a pioneering experiment: banning cars and prioritizing bicycles and pedestrians on a 500-meter stretch in the heart of the city.
[Berlin.de]

Berlin’s experiment to ban cars and allow bikes on Friedrichstrasse started in late August 2020, lasting as a pilot project through October 2021, and was extended until autumn 2022 before being reversed by court decision.

Details of the Friedrichstrasse Experiment

The city closed a 500-meter section of Friedrichstrasse between Leipziger Strasse and Französische Strasse to autos, transforming it into a pedestrian and cycle zone. Temporary bike lanes were set up, seating and plant containers added, and the aim was to create a cleaner, quieter, and more attractive public space for shopping and tourism while testing the impact on local traffic and retail.

Motivation and Results

The experiment sought to improve air quality, reduce noise, and encourage cycling and walking in central Berlin. Environmental Action Germany reported improved air quality and public surveys showed strong support (over 80%) for continuing the car-free street.

End and Controversy

Despite positive public feedback, some local business owners argued the closure harmed sales, and a legal challenge in late 2022 forced the city to reopen the street to autos. The debate highlighted tensions between climate policy and commerce, and set a precedent for future traffic experiments in Berlin.

In summary: Berlin banned autos and allowed bikes on a section of Friedrichstrasse beginning August 2020 as a city experiment to promote sustainability and urban livability, but legal and commercial opposition led to its reversal in late 2022.

Who Approved the Trial?

The initiative was led by several government bodies:

  • The Mitte district office of Berlin
  • The Senate Department for the Environment, Transport and Climate Protection
  • The Senate Department for Economics, Energy, and Business
  • Berlin’s tourism marketing agency, visitBerlin

Their goal was to create a cleaner, quieter, and more attractive urban space for locals and tourists, while gathering data to guide future city planning. The car-free zone featured expanded pedestrian walkways, dedicated bike lanes, seating, and plant containers, alongside a program of public events and activities.

The project could be a starting point for further solutions and a step towards a car-free city and cleaner air. —
Berlin.de 

Results: Public Response and Data

Survey results indicated overwhelmingly positive public support for pedestrianization, with 82% of respondents favoring the car-free zone’s continuation.
[The Local]

Air quality measurements by Environmental Action Germany found nitrogen dioxide pollution dropped by more than 10 µg/m³ during the experiment, demonstrating tangible health and environmental benefits.
[ICLEI Europe]

Further Reading

Business Reaction and Legal Challenge

Despite these successes, a coalition of local business owners felt the closure hindered sales, launching the “Save Friedrichstrasse” campaign. Notably, wine shop owner Anja Schröder filed suit, arguing the trial was detrimental to retailers.
[DW]

The Berlin Administrative Court ruled in October 2022 that the city’s legal basis for the closure was insufficient, forcing the reopening of Friedrichstrasse to auto traffic.
[RIFS Potsdam Blog]

The ruling has reignited a long simmering debate over the importance … of private vehicle access for retailers on Friedrichstrasse. —
RIFS Potsdam blog

Urban researchers argue that pedestrian zones typically benefit retail, with Berlin’s data showing just 11% of local shoppers arrived by car, and foot and bicycle traffic remained robust throughout the trial—even during the pandemic.

What’s Next? Expanding Car-Free Zones

In response to legal challenges but buoyed by public support, Berlin has expanded the car-free concept. Seasonal “summer streets” now restrict car traffic on side streets throughout Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, and Tempelhof-Schöneberg.
[Green Zones]

Permanent pedestrian zones are planned in other bustling commercial corridors, such as Oranienstraße in Kreuzberg, showing the experiment’s lasting influence beyond Friedrichstrasse.
[Berlin.de]

Learn More

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