To think we could close some roads for one hour a week?

[StScholastica]

To let people who want to get fit by cycling or families with younger children, cycle in safety. I think it would also build community cohesion.
Obviously there would have to be concessions for emergency vehicles?

Am I mad?

Yes

ExDH’s road closes once a month on a Sunday morning so the kids can play out. So it’s definitely doable.

It’s a great idea, I think it exists already in quite a few cities. It would be great to see more of it.

I think most people could work around it.

I like the idea but prefer that people stop driving over the speed limit and in an unsafe way for others to cycle etc

Right, I might get onto our local council then 😀

Isn't that what cycle paths are for?

They did this in Edinburgh at one point, closed residential streets (but high traffic) for kids to play out at certain times.

roadsafetygb.org.uk/news/edinburgh-to-close-streets-to-allow-children-to-play/

Why can't kids go to the park to play and cycle?

You can ask the council to close off roads to play in the same as you would request for a street party. It’s easier for roads where traffic can easily be rerouted.

You might find this website useful OP, quite a few local authorities have play streets now: playingout.net/

Having vast amounts of housing built in my area, if only the developers were made to build the infrastructure that allows those families that will move into them space to play out it would be so much better.

We live in a cul de sac and often do street gatherings so kids can play together and adults can chat, it's helped to get to know neighbours

Better to put the money into good cycle paths.

Although tbf we have plenty round here that are really good, well maintained, and the cyclists still use the road.

Don’t be ridiculous.

I suggest you use those little lanes specifically designed for the purposes you’re after - cycle paths.

Yanbu.

I think there’s a few countries that have ‘quiet time’ too on a Sunday I think.

I think it’s a nice idea. Say 10-12 every Sunday morning, no lawn mowing, no driving.

it would be a really interesting social experiment

Growing up, our street did unofficial street closures so we could all play: neighbours all agreed and a few would park their cars on either end of the crescent to block it off. One weekend a month. It was great!

Google…

Well there literally aren't any within walking distance of our home. We have a country park about 3 miles away but that is difficult if you gave small kids and no car.

There aren't any near my home. It seems other countries are making this work.

I don't think it would cost much to temporarily close a road for a couple of hours? I think it would cost much more to build cycle ways.

Yes you are mad. Roads are there for everyone to use. If they close them so people can cycle, then they need to do an hour where there are no cycles!

I can’t believe you don’t have cycle lanes everywhere has them. There must be fields or parks you can use, pavements for the kids

That is not what "Ruhezeit" means, though - the extract you are showing refers to times when people need to be quiet - no loud music, no outdoor parties expect for venues, no DIY, pressure washing or anything else that is noisy. Nothing to do with closing roads.

If the country wants more people to cycle - rather than closing roads off and making things inconvenient for drivers - we need to invest more in cycle paths, not the poor excuses for one that randomly disappear after a few yards, that suddenly change lanes (honestly, is it just my town or everywhere that the footpath and cycle path just randomly switch over?), are overgrown because councils don't cut hedges, are poorly maintained or, in most cases, simply absent.

Thanks for your input 🙂 I can honestly confirm that the country lanes near me are absolutely not safe for cycling and there are no cycle lanes at all.
Cycling through a field isn't easy! They've mostly got crops or herds in them for one thing.

It would probably cost more than you'd think - signage, risk assessments, enforcement... Then diversions for traffic, and maintaining access for emergency vehicles. If a fire engine needs to speed down, how do they clear it from slow children etc fast enough?

I'd petition for cycle lanes locally; and to be honest, probably consider moving house if we were 3 miles from our nearest park!