Safe paths for our children: measures after Henry's tragic accident in Pulheim

Safe paths for our children: measures after Henry's tragic accident in Pulheim

The tragic accidental death of the ten -year -old Henry in Pulheim has triggered a wave of dismay and urgent need for action in the community. It was almost a year since the student of the Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium was hit by a truck in an unfortunate incident on Paul-Decker-Platz. While those affected are still mourning, the city of Pulheim and the Rhein-Erft district do everything they can to improve the security for cyclists and students.

In a delivery to external experts, the Rhein-Erft-Kreis plans to develop a new security concept for Paul-Decker-Platz. The costs for these measures amount to around 60,000 euros. According to a first examination of an Aachen office, there are considerable defects in terms of traffic safety. Particularly worrying are the too narrow cycle paths that do not correspond to the current minimum technical standards and the regulations of the road traffic regulations.

painful memories and demands for change

The review of traffic safety has also shown that the course of the cycle paths for cyclists is difficult to understand. A lack of labeling often leads to dangerous situations, especially on Escher Straße, where pedestrians and cyclists are often on the same areas. This is also evident from the fact that pedestrians are forced to go on the bike path just to reach the push buttons at the traffic lights. The last incident has made the discussion about traffic safety in the region sharper than ever.

It was in September 2023 when the truck driver rolled over the little Henry. Despite the best efforts by the rescue workers, the boy died in the hospital a few hours later. His memory continues through a white ghost wheel, which was placed at the scene and serves as a memorial for security on the streets. The incident has raised public awareness of the security situation in Pulheim.

voice of youth and movement for safe ways of school

In the following, massive support and mobilization flourished by the local community. Over 10,000 signatures were collected for a petition that demands safe way to school. Children, adolescents, teachers and parents have come together for a memorial march for Henry. As a direct reaction to the events, the Kidicall Mass Action Alliance has called for a general driving ban for trucks on school routes, a network of school and temporarily car -free school roads.

This not only wants to ensure the safety of the students, but also create greater awareness of the dangers in road traffic. The efforts of the citizens and the plans of the authorities are the first steps in the right direction to prevent such tragic accidents in the future. The argument about safe way to school clearly shows how fragile the balance between road users is in these places and how much changes are required.