Five Years of the Mobility Act in Berlin - Criticism of the Senate - Berlin's Mobility Act falls short five years after its ambitious launch

Five years after Berlin's Mobility Act came into force, the city still struggles to meet its goals for safer, greener transport. The law, passed in 2018, was meant to prioritise pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. Yet critics argue that progress has been slow and uneven across the capital.

The German Pedestrian Association (Fuss e.V.) has accused the city of falling short on its legal obligations. Roland Stimpel, a board member of the group, singled out three senators—including current Transport Senator Ute Bonde (CDU)—for failing to deliver on the law's promises. He claimed their policies have neglected pedestrians in favour of other transport needs.

The Mobility Act set out to create a climate-friendly, safer transport system by improving walking and cycling routes while expanding public transit. Since its introduction, some districts have seen changes: bike lanes have grown, traffic calming measures have been rolled out, and central areas like Mitte and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg report faster improvements. But outer boroughs lag behind, with delays blamed on funding shortages and limited space.

The Senate Transport Administration admitted the law provided useful direction and pushed for better infrastructure. However, they also highlighted the difficulties of putting plans into practice. Bonde defended her approach, calling for a mobility policy that is practical, affordable, and widely accepted—not driven by ideology.

Despite the law's ambitions, Berlin's transport shift remains a work in progress. While some areas have seen upgrades, others still wait for meaningful change. The debate continues over how to balance cost, space, and the needs of all road users.