Problem child Bahnhofstrasse: Accidents trigger safety debate

Created: 12/25/2021, 7:00 AM

From: Andreas Seiler

Well developed and heavily frequented: Bahnhofstrasse in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, here at the Wettersteinstrasse intersection.

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Lately there have been an increasing number of accidents in Garmisch-Partenkirchen's road traffic, with some seriously injured children.

Parents are alarmed.

The main focus is on the busy Bahnhofstrasse, which is known as the “Autobahn”.

The call for more safety for pedestrians and cyclists is getting louder.

Garmisch-Partenkirchen - It may be a coincidence: But in the past two months or so there have been three accidents in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, in which a total of seven children were sometimes seriously injured: once on Schornstrasse at the end of October and twice now in December on the Bahnhofstrasse - a terrifying result.

It sounds paradoxical: But in some cases the girls and boys had guardian angels with them, because the whole thing could have ended much worse.

Parents are concerned

The series of accidents led to a loud echo. Parents in particular are concerned about the safety of their offspring on the tourist destination's heavily frequented traffic routes. For many, the broad Bahnhofstrasse in particular is a thorn in their side, where not only is there a lot going on, but also where people like to drive fast and overtake. Many adolescents are out and about in this section who, for example, have to go to the train station or the buses after school.

The problems have been known for many years, calls Green Councilor Dr. Rainer Steinbrecher, who is responsible as a speaker for the topic of mobility, among other things. "Now reality is catching up with us." The local politician is therefore certain: "There is an urgent need for action." Years ago, the Greens presented a concept for a more cyclist and pedestrian friendly Bahnhofstrasse. But unfortunately there was no majority for this. Steinbrecher suggests protective strips for cyclists, safe crossings and 30 km / h. At the beginning of next year, he said, a round table with representatives of the advisory councils will start work and develop ideas on how sustainable mobility could look in the community.

Christian Loth, who is a member of the Greens, suggests a similar tone. Only a few days ago, the Partenkirchner and co-authors vented his anger - in a letter to the editor to the daily newspaper. "Please finally tackle the traffic turnaround seriously," is his urgent demand to the address of the municipality. For decades the place had been developed into an "Autostadt". And sometimes people drive on Bahnhofstrasse like on a “city freeway,” says the family man when asked. “That is amazing.” What is finally needed are solutions that treat all road users equally. Loth is convinced that he has hit a nerve: "This is a topic of conversation for all parents."

Bahnhofstrasse is also likely to play a role in a survey carried out by the parents' council of the Bürgermeister-Schütte primary and secondary school.

“There are two to three jobs that are not entirely harmless,” says Heike Henig, chairman of the parents' council.

During the investigation, however, all school routes in the market should be examined more closely in order to find out where the danger spots are.

Appeal to reason

According to its own information, the administration is not planning any further measures in the case of Bahnhofstrasse. "Apart from the two unfortunate accidents in December this year, the public order office is not aware of any accidents involving pedestrians in the Bahnhofstrasse area," reports press spokeswoman Silvia Buyer-Schropp. The authority appeals to the common sense of all road users to show mutual consideration. Car drivers should, according to the town hall's request, be particularly careful - and pedestrians should use the three traffic light crossings correctly, i.e. when they are green and in the marked zones. In addition, central islands in the lane and paved pedestrian crossings have been set up in order to increase safety, according to Buyer-Schropp.

And what do the police say?

The officials of the PI Garmisch-Partenkirchen would like to wait for the results of the investigation after the incidents.

Basically, however, the traffic lights should be sufficient, reports Josef Grasegger, who is responsible for the traffic department, in order to get to the other side of the street undamaged.