ZuFußGehens

ZuFußGehens is a term used in urban mobility and planning discourse to describe the deliberate prioritization of walking as the primary mode of daily transportation and the systematic integration of pedestrian-friendly design into city policy. The name is a stylized compound that blends zu Fuß, the German phrase for on foot, with a form emphasizing motion and action.

Definition and scope: ZuFußGehens encompasses both physical infrastructure—wide, continuous sidewalks; protected pedestrian zones; ample crosswalks and signaling; accessible curb ramps and wayfinding—and policy measures such as traffic calming, reduced vehicle speeds, mixed-use zoning, and street design guidelines that promote short walking distances and legible routes. It also includes programs to encourage walking as part of daily routines, such as safe routes to schools and workplaces, and the integration of walking with public transit.

Implementation and governance: Proponents argue for cross-sector collaboration among transportation, land use, and public health agencies, as well as community engagement to address equity and safety concerns. Costs are discussed alongside long-term benefits in health, air quality, and local economic activity. Critics point to competing priorities, budget constraints, and potential displacement if street space is reallocated away from cars.

Relation to related concepts: ZuFußGehens relates closely to walkability, complete streets, and transit-oriented development, but emphasizes a comprehensive, pedestrian-first philosophy that informs both design and policy decisions rather than a single initiative. It remains a contested term with varying interpretations across cities and regions.