Ambitious Network to Cover 40% of Hamburg in Green

Imagine being able to traverse a major city surrounded entirely by bikes, pedestrians, and green spaces. That vision is poised to become reality in Hamburg within the next two decades as the city pursues plans for a vast Grünes Netz (Green Network).

1 minute read

November 6, 2013, 11:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"Welcome to Hamburg, an environmental pioneer in the mould of its regional neighbour Copenhagen," writes Elisabeth Braw. "Its planned green network will cover 40% of the city's area."

"'It will connect parks, recreational areas, playgrounds, gardens and cemeteries through green paths', Angelika Fritsch, a spokeswoman for the city's department of urban planning and the environment, tells Guardian Sustainable Business. 'Other cities, including London, have green rings, but the green network will be unique in covering an area from the outskirts to the city centre. In 15 to 20 years you'll be able to explore the city exclusively on bike and foot.'" 

"Perhaps more importantly, the network will absorb CO2 emissions and help prevent floods when inevitable superstorms strike," adds Braw.

Thanks to Fast Company Co.Exist

Thursday, October 31, 2013 in The Guardian

stack of books

Planetizen’s Top Planning Books of 2023

The world is changing, and planning with it.

November 24, 2023 - Planetizen Team

Close-up of 'Red Line Subway Entry' sign with Braille below and train logo above text in Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago Red Line Extension Could Transform the South Side

The city’s transit agency is undertaking its biggest expansion ever to finally bring rail to the South Side.

November 24, 2023 - The Architect's Newspaper

Diagram of visibility at urban intersection.

How ‘Daylighting’ Intersections Can Save Lives

Eliminating visual obstructions can make intersections safer for all users.

November 27, 2023 - Strong Towns

Bus passengers boarding an orange Los Angeles Metro bus on Sunset Boulevard.

LA Pledges to Add Thousands of New Bus Stop Shelters

The city’s bus riders will finally get some relief from sun and rain.

November 30 - Urbanize Los Angeles

Green Paris Texas city limit sign with population.

How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit

A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.

November 30 - Texas Monthly

Red San Diego Trolley light rail train at station with passengers walking on platform and Spanish-style dome building in background.

San Diego Trolley Nation’s Most Popular Light Rail

The system's ridership benefited from an extension project and free transit for youth.

November 30 - Axios

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

"Rethinking Commuter Rail" podcast & Intercity Bus E-News

Chaddick Institute at DePaul University

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.