Vauban, Germany: pioneer car-free community

Joie de vivre, imminent death of car-based culture, opportunity knocks May 11th, 2009

To maintain the New Urbanism theme for a moment . . .

From the NYT:

Residents of this upscale community are suburban pioneers, going where few soccer moms or commuting executives have ever gone before: they have given up their cars.

Street parking, driveways and home garages are generally forbidden in this experimental new district on the outskirts of Freiburg, near the French and Swiss borders. Vauban’s streets are completely “car-free” — except the main thoroughfare, where the tram to downtown Freiburg runs, and a few streets on one edge of the community. Car ownership is allowed, but there are only two places to park — large garages at the edge of the development, where a car owner buys a space, for $40,000, along with a home.

This is interesting, too, from the photos section.:

Many people move to Vauban not for environmental reasons, but because they feel that a car-free environment is far better for children. Indeed, children are everywhere! With no cars on the streets, many residents call Vauban a children’s paradise, where youngsters wander from a young age in safety. Even some residents who say they miss the convenience of a car at their doorstep have concluded that it is worth the tradeoff.

Apparently there are some smaller experimental communities happening in the U.S., too. Like Quarry Village, CA. Though I think Vauban looks nicer.

–Erik Ryberg

3 Responses to “Vauban, Germany: pioneer car-free community”

  1. Red Star Says:
    May 13th, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    “Apparently there are some smaller experimental communities happening in the U.S.”

    Though he verbs a noun, it is extremely important and welcome that the Tucson bike lawyer drills down in search of the heart of the matter. Kudos!

    But you don’t have to move! Not even to Ames, Iowa (which is unpleasant in the winter, but otherwise a wonderful secret innovative place) home of Bikes At Work at: http://www.bikesatwork.com

    and “Carfree Information” at:

    http://www.bikesatwork.com/carfree

  2. Erik Says:
    May 13th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    So sorry. Please substitute: “Apparently this is happening in the U.S., too. Some smaller experimental communities are now emerging here.”

    EBR

  3. Lauren Says:
    May 15th, 2009 at 10:59 am

    Wow, Erik. Okay if New Urbanism could makes things more like Vauban I’m there. So cool! They turned a former Nazi army base into something beautiful. I like that the houses are so well designed that some don’t necessitate heating systems.

    This sort of thing should be happening more everywhere.

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