IAA in Munich: Protests and traffic restrictions in September!

IAA in Munich: Protests and traffic restrictions in September!

In September 2023, the Pedestrians and Cyclists in Munich say: take detours! During the international automotive exhibition (IAA)-which takes place from September 9th to 14th in the heart of the city and at the Riem trade fair-central places such as Odeonsplatz, Königsplatz and Max-Joseph-Platz are transformed into Open Spaces. Until September 19, restrictions in pedestrian and cyclist management will have to arise from the establishment and dismantling of the Open Spaces, such as Die Süddeutsche Zeitung reports .

An open space is set up on the Königsplatz between the state ancient collections and the glyptothek. Cyclists have to be redirected north of the glyptothek, while pedestrians continue to have access to this area from the north and south. Radlers also have to adjust to diversions on Ludwigstraße, since the eastern bike path remains completely closed during the conversion measures and the IAA. The Residenzstrasse is also not accessible to cyclists during the exhibition. Public transport is affected by the diversions, several bus lines, including 58 and 100, have to change their routes.

protests and public opinion

The joy of the IAA is not consistently positive. Activists have organized the protest that is directed against the event and the associated open spaces. At the town hall and at the Fischbrunnen, groups such as Extinction Rebellion show their disapproval. In front of the town hall, children's beds were set up in car design, and activists performed a game with "sleeping city councils". On banners you can read: "Rest! The city council oversleeps the mobility turn", such as reports .

The demands of the protesters are clear: they require more transparency in relation to the decision on the IAA, powerful public transport and an end to the dominance of the auto industry in urban planning. The exhibition areas for car manufacturers in the city center, which are viewed as the central element of the IAA, are particularly controversial. The criticism is loud and diverse - from Greenwashing to exploitative supply chains to poor working conditions. The Munich City Council has initially postponed the decision about the long -term future of the IAA in Munich, which provides the activists for additional hope.

The challenge of the traffic turnaround

The discussion about the IAA seamlessly joins the larger debate about the turn of the traffic, which is essential in view of the climate and resource crisis and progressive digitization. Cities face the challenge of reducing climate -damaging emissions and at the same time maintaining the urban living space. The Federal Center for Political Education indicates that innovative concepts such as the "Livelihood of City" and the "15-minute city" provide important. design.

But reality often shows a different picture: overloaded infrastructures and the pressure of motorized private transport lead to negative effects on the environment and quality of life. The turnover of the traffic is therefore not only an environmentally political task, but also a social that must ensure that mobility is guaranteed for all social groups. The integration of bicycle traffic and environmentally friendly transportation is crucial to achieve the desired climate goals.

For the city of Munich, there are big challenges. The IAA and the associated measures are likely to continue to cause a sensation in the coming months and heat the discussion about the mobility of the future in the city.