Road blockade for safe cycle paths and footpaths in Dresden

Activists from the climate protection movement Extinction Rebellion (XR) Dresden are continuing to campaign for a change in transportation. On Thursday morning, they blocked a busy intersection on the edge of the city center four times for seven minutes - only the bike lanes remained free. 18 men and women took part in the action. Organizer Christian Bläul (44) handed out flyers to the waiting motorists and tried to strike up a conversation with them. Bläul is a physicist and the leader of Extinction Rebellion in Dresden.

Action for safe footpaths and cycle paths in Dresden

This time, the activists chose Strassburger Platz, on the edge of which the Volkswagen Transparent Factory is located, for their protest. Under the motto "Take a seat - on your bike. Or on the train. Or walk", the activists promoted climate-friendly mobility. Apart from a few "protest honks", the vast majority of motorists showed understanding. XR demands safe footpaths and cycle paths and reliable local public transport. The demands are directed at the Dresden City Council and city administration.

Activists point to air pollution and traffic noise

The activists point to the health and climatic consequences of individual car traffic. "Air pollution, traffic noise, heat islands and land sealing are a particular burden on people in densely populated cities. Women are often more affected by health consequences because they walk, cycle or use public transport more often in everyday life and can therefore be more exposed to traffic noise and air pollution."

Climate crisis can be overcome together

"CO₂ produced by humans generates huge amounts of additional energy, measured in zettajoules. This energy does not disappear. It heats up oceans, cities and weather extremes," argued Bläul. Anyone calling for safe cycle paths, good public transport and less car traffic today is fighting for health, safety and a future worth living. "I am certain that we can overcome the climate crisis: together."

XR: Transport transition not directed against people with cars

XR Dresden emphasized that a transport transition is not directed against people with cars. The share of car traffic in mobility is decreasing. Half of all journeys are now made on foot or by bicycle. In recent years, Dresden has developed into a top address for active mobility. Now this new reality must also be taken into account in terms of construction, they said.

Extinction Rebellion is an international environmental protection organization that uses means of civil disobedience to draw attention to pressing problems such as the climate crisis and species extinction.