Have you ever wondered about the unsung heroes of urban navigation? Right here at Fuss e.V. in Berlin, we celebrate those heroes. They are the pedestrians. Fuss e.V., short for Fachverband Fußverkehr Deutschland, champions the rights and needs of walkers throughout Germany. Founded in 1985 in Kassel, Fuss e.V. relocated its headquarters to Berlin. Its mission is simple yet profound: to make walking safer, healthier, more enjoyable, and more attractive.
Fuss e.V. isn’t just a local organization. It’s a national force. It acts as an advocate for pedestrians on a political and media level. Fuss e.V. provides support for local initiatives across the country. It collaborates with environmental organizations. It works with social groups, senior citizen groups, and disability rights organizations. Fuss e.V. is a member of Verkehrsclub Deutschland (VCD) and Deutsche Verkehrswacht. It is part of the International Federation of Pedestrians (IFP). Over 60 local Fuss e.V. chapters are active in cities and districts across Germany. These groups tackle local pedestrian issues. They analyze problems. They approach authorities with solutions. They launch awareness campaigns.
Fuss e.V. in Berlin has made significant strides in promoting pedestrian rights. One notable initiative is the “Querbuch” (Crossing Book). This publication showcases a variety of pedestrian crossings. It features innovative designs. It highlights best practices for safe and efficient pedestrian crossings. At the national level, Fuss e.V. actively advocates for pedestrian-friendly traffic regulations. They have formulated 66 specific demands to improve conditions for pedestrians. A core demand is for free and spacious sidewalks. Fuss e.V. doesn’t just talk. They take action. They develop pedestrian strategies for municipalities. They conduct systematic pedestrian checks. From 2021-2023, they spearheaded a project titled “Gut gehen lassen” (Let it go well). This project, funded by the German Federal Environment Agency, focused on creating more attractive pedestrian environments. Another initiative, “Kinder bewegen sich selbst – und ihre Welt” (Children move themselves – and their world), involves children in analyzing their everyday traffic environment. Children contribute to developing suggestions for improvement. In 2021, Fuss e.V. established a “Fußverkehrs-Akademie” (Pedestrian Academy). This online platform offers training courses related to pedestrian issues.
Fuss e.V. tackles a wide range of topics. They work on planning principles for pedestrian traffic, pedestrian safety, and mobility solutions for seniors. They explore the complex relationship between pedestrians and cyclists. Fuss e.V. also co-organizes the biennial “Bundesweiter Umwelt- und Verkehrskongress” (BUVKO). This national congress brings together experts, policymakers, and advocates to discuss environmental and transportation issues. So as you stand here, before Fuss e.V. in Berlin, remember their commitment to a simpler, healthier, and more sustainable mode of transportation. They advocate for your right to walk freely and safely.