Originally published during the early days of COVID-19, this guide was created to help cities respond quickly to the urgent need for safer, more spacious streets, especially for walking and cycling. What started as a response to a global crisis offered timeless lessons in reimagining streets that work better for everyone.
From pop-up bike lanes to quick fixes at dangerous intersections, the Berlin district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg led the way with temporary infrastructure that met immediate needs while laying the groundwork for lasting change. We’re proud to have supported the district in this effort and to share this guide, which remains just as relevant today for any city looking to make rapid, impactful improvements to their streetscape.
The Berlin district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg was one of the first cities to implement temporary infrastructure to facilitate safer and more comfortable cycling in reaction to these changing mobility patterns. We are proud to have supported Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg in the development of these measures and were asked by the district to produce this guidebook (initially published in German).
This guide provides a good foundation for planning safe, temporary infrastructure that can be implemented almost immediately in towns and cities that do not currently offer enough space for cyclists. It inspires cities worldwide that want to do something, but don’t know how to start.
What started as a crisis response has become a powerful reminder: the bicycle is not just a backup option, but a vital, healthy, and space-efficient mode of transport. As cities evolve, the need for more liveable, sustainable, and inclusive streets remains pressing. Bottlenecks and unsafe spots on cycling routes still need to be addressed—urgently and thoughtfully—so that everyone can move safely and comfortably through their city.
View the guide HERE (German, French, Portuguese, and Spanish versions also available)
If you have questions about the guide or how to implement some of the measures in your community, please get in touch with us. We are here to help!
