Residents in Beelitz-Heilstätten are calling for zebra crossings for more safety!

Residents in Beelitz-Heilstätten are calling for zebra crossings for more safety!

In Beelitz-Heilstätten, a district with a rapid development from 500 to 1,700 residents in just 18 years, there is a call for more safety on State Road 88 (L88). Christian Maas, who moved to Beelitz-Heilstätten in 2007, has launched a petition to set up two zebra crossings. He criticizes the ever-increasing traffic, speeding drivers and the lack of consideration for pedestrians. School children and older people are watching the dangers of the L88 with concern, especially after the opening of a new senior center, as [maz-online.de](https://www.maz-online.de/lokales/potsdam-mittelmark/beelitz/l88-beelitz-heilstaetten-anwohner-kaempfen-um-zebra stripes-BINVR7JFDVGX3HQHOKFS7XGIVM.html) reports.

The L88 not only acts as a main road, but also as an alternative route in case of traffic jams on the adjacent motorway. Despite the speed limit of 30 km/h in the underpass area, which has been in effect since 2024, many drivers do not adhere to the regulations. Residents continue to raise their concerns, but the Central Brandenburg transport authority has rejected applications for zebra crossings because the relevant requirements are not met.

Traffic counts and rejections

A strict standard is applied: in order to approve a zebra crossing, at least 200 vehicles and 50 pedestrians must be counted per hour. The transport authority cites a traffic count from 2021 that does not take the increasing population into account. In addition, a curve that is difficult to see plays a role in the rejections. The city of Beelitz also saw its high expectations disappointed as their applications were also rejected. Maas has already contacted the police, the public order office and the local mayor, but there doesn't seem to be any real movement in sight.

Interestingly, with the reform of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) in 2024, the scope for action for municipalities was expanded, which means that zebra crossings can now be created regardless of the number of pedestrians and vehicles. This new freedom could theoretically also benefit the L88, but the connection to the school remains an obstacle due to the distance to the directly adjacent school.

Safety at zebra crossings

One thing is clear: zebra crossings are not the safest places to cross the street. According to fuss-ev.de, people die at zebra crossings every year and numerous injuries are reported. Therefore, clear rules apply: Pedestrians have priority, but must ensure that they can cross safely. Drivers who do not give way to pedestrians face a fine of 80 euros and one point in Flensburg. To avoid conflicts, zebra crossings are particularly important for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians at traffic lights.

Christian Maas hopes to find at least 500 supporters through his petition; so far he has reported 90 signatures and 41 comments. Residents are waiting for more clarity and, above all, safety as everyone battles the challenges of increasing traffic on the L88. A nationwide traffic count in 2025 could potentially bring about changes and improve the situation for all those affected in Beelitz-Heilstätten, as [adac.de](https://www.adac.de/verkehr/recht/verkehrsgesetze-deutschland/zebra stripes/) notes.