ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

A new approach to rural mobility

Mitfahrbank, or “carpooling bench,” is a unique initiative started in Hürup, Germany, to tackle transport poverty in rural areas. Installed by Boben Op Energie- und Klimawende e.V., it promotes shared rides to improve local climate protection and enhance energy transition. This simple, yet impactful project is redefining rural mobility and offering sustainable transportation alternatives. 

From benches to shared rides
The benches are strategically placed in central locations, each with destination signs pointing in five different directions. People in need of a ride can wait by the bench, where drivers offer lifts based on the destinations shown. The initiative is flexible, allowing both spontaneous rides and planned meet-ups, connecting residents, especially those with limited mobility, to vital services. 

Reaching the underserved 
The project focuses on rural communities where public transport is limited. It primarily benefits seniors, young people, and migrants who face challenges accessing transportation. The benches provide a low-cost, climate-friendly alternative to individual car use, offering not only rides but opportunities for social interaction among neighbours and strangers alike. 

More than just a bench 
Since 2016, the initiative has spread across the Flensburg climate protection region, with over 50 benches installed. Thanks to federal funding, the project is further evolving with an app that allows users to easily organise rides. The simplicity and success of the Mitfahrbank model have the potential to inspire other regions facing similar mobility challenges. 

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Tempelhofer Feld, Germany

The Tempelhofer Feld is a former airfield of the Tempelhof Airport. It is now used as a park and leisure area, covering around 304 hectares. Since 2010, it has been open to the public for recreational and leisure use, offering various civic projects such as an intercultural education centre, a community garden, a talent school, a high ropes arena, mini art golf, a district garden and more.

In a referendum in 2014, the people of Berlin voted against building on the edges of the site and in favour of preserving Tempelhofer Feld in its current state. As a result, the “Law for the Preservation of Tempelhofer Feld” (ThFG) came into force in June 2014, which defines the purpose of the area’s protection and the preservation goals.

Tempelhofer Feld is a case of success as it is a commons where a referendum was held, and more than 60% of the Berliners supported the idea of banning construction on the former airfield. And the urban garden initiative situated in Tempelhofer Feld reflects the community’s use of a common pool of resources. At the same time, it also represents a failure as the airfield is now managed in a top-down exclusive manner by the city government.  

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ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Global demonstrations for traffic legislation that protects biking children

The Kidical Mass is a worldwide movement which has become active in Germany in 2017. The movement has inspired cyclists from all ages to ‘conquer’ the streets at colourful bicycle demonstrations, hereby advocating for child-friendly traffic legislation. The initiative finds that all children and young people should be able to ride their bikes safely and independently. Activists demand child-friendly, green places in which there are many and varied spaces for playing and for social interaction between all generations.

Global demand for change
On the weekend of 18 and19 September 2021, 25,000 children and their families took part in the Kidical Mass in over 130 countries around the world. It showed that people want change in every part of the world, both in rural and urban settings. The main demand of the movement in Germany was that the new federal government must prioritise child-friendly traffic legislation with a focus on independent and safe mobility for children. First and foremost, the demands include the introduction of Tempo 30 as the standard speed limit in built-up areas.

Germany as a bike-friendly country
The initiative is supported by ADFC, the largest advocacy group for cyclists worldwide with its 215,000+ members. They are committed to the traffic turnaround with focus on bicycles and thus for better climate protection, safety, health and quality of life. They want Germany to become a country with better traffic legislation, so that people on bicycles have more space and are better protected.

For children
The initiative focuses on children’s need for protection on their way to school, friends, sports clubs or the playground. To prevent any injuries and fatalities, cities and municipalities are encouraged to implement child and bicycle-friendly measures, not only at individual danger spots, but throughout cities.

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Photo from Freepik

ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. This bottom-up initiative was collected by Claudia Fabó Cartas within ACCTING’s mapping of inspiring practice cases, within Clean Energy and Suistainable Mobility research lines.  Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

#BIKEYGEES, Germany

Offering free cycle training for refugees

#BIKEYGEES is a remarkable initiative that aims to empower refugee women and girls in Berlin by offering them free practical cycle training. The initiative also teaches German traffic rules and how to carry out basic bike repairs in different languages. They also give out bikes, helmets, maintenance tools, and locks to participating girls and women after passing a small theoretical exam, so they can leave the training self-sufficient.

Fostering a sense of belonging

#BIKEYGEES believes that cycling is a fundamental building block of the reclaiming of individual mobility of refugees or newcomers who have come to Berlin. Women in particular need support in this regard. Many paths are made on foot. They feel isolated in their accommodations. Cycling offers an obvious solution to exploring a new living environment. Therefore, beyond the intercultural aspect, it is important for #BIKEYGEES to see the possibility of cycling as a sustainable approach to ensuring mobility and independence.

Through their dedication and bottom-up approach, #BIKEYGEES is making a profound impact on the lives of refugee women and girls in Berlin. By providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to embrace cycling.

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Photo by storyset from Freepik

ACCTING aims to understand the impact of Green Deal policies on vulnerable groups, prevent inequalities, and produce knowledge and innovations to advance behavioural change at individual and collective levels for an inclusive and equal European Green Deal. This bottom-up initiative was collected by Claudia Fabó Cartas within ACCTING’s mapping of inspiring practice cases, within the Suistainable Mobility research line. Read our report on all 693 mapped initiatives.

Mittfahrbank, Germany

The ride-sharing bench is centrally located on the village street, inviting people to comfortably sit down and indicate their desire for a ride. Destination signs in five directional alternatives in the area, indicating where people want to go. By identifying the direction and destination of each bench’s occupant(s), drivers willing to give someone a ride can easily connect with them. The initiative is characterised by the positive feedback loop: The more benches are installed in different localities, the shorter the waiting time will be for people sitting on the benches and the larger the network of possible destinations becomes.

Community bonding through local transportation networks

The carpooling/ride-sharing bench presents a simple and easy-to-implement solution for:

• • Climate protection: By promoting resource-saving mobility and car-sharing. It alleviates traffic congestion and reduces pollution. and reduces pollution.
  • Social participation: It addresses mobility limitations faced by young people, seniors, and migrants enabling them to access shopping facilities, pharmacies, doctors, local government offices, and schools.
  • Meeting space: The bench encourages conversations and interactions with interesting people, fostering connections.
  • Upgrading local public transport: Many communities, especially in rural areas, suffer from inadequate public transport, especially during evenings, holidays, and weekends. The ride-sharing bench complements existing services, bridging the gaps in accessibility, and providing alternative transportation options.

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