New benches for more accessibility in Berlin-Mitte: 300 seating built in public space

New benches for more accessibility in Berlin-Mitte: 300 seating built in public space

The district councilor Dr. Almut Neumann has announced that the street and green space office in Mitte has launched the "bench program". The goal is to set up a total of 300 new benches in the district's public street. In 2023, 100 benches have already been reorganized. For the next 100 benches, the district, the mobility council, the senior citizens' representative, the district disability officer of the district and Fuß e.V. together work together in the search for suitable locations. In addition, another 100 benches that were previously under the linden trees are repaired and placed in different locations in the district.

The costs for the procurement of the benches of a total of 300,000 euros are financed by the “Schön-Stadt” program of the State of Berlin. There are an additional 350 euros per bank for the structure.

The district councilor underlines the importance of benches in public space for the elderly and restricted mobility. These serve as "petrol stations" for calm and energy and are an integral part of the traffic turnaround. With the new benches, more people should be encouraged to walk on foot.

The Senior Representation in the middle of Berlin and the Advisory Board for People with Disabilities in Berlin-Mitte expressly welcome the project. You see the new benches as an important contribution to inclusion and the creation of meeting opportunities in public space.

Fuss e.V. Mitte also supports the project and emphasizes the health benefits of walking as a simple and inexpensive form of health promotion. The initiative of the district office for the design of public space for pedestrians is received positively, especially with a view to the needs of older and mobility -restricted people.

experts recommend setting up the benches at intervals of 200-300 meters in order to give all pedestrians the opportunity to rest. The measures of the district office are actively accompanied and supported by the organizations and representations involved.

For more information and a card with the locations of the benches, the media contact of the Mitte district office can be contacted.

Source: www.berlin.de