Free Streets Manifesto
Research Partners:
Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) & Technical University of Berlin
Initiated by
paper planes e.V.
Our services
Initiation, Lead Author · Strategic Communications, Editorial Management, Public Outreach
The Challenge
Across Germany, vast amounts of public space are occupied by parked cars that remain unused for more than 23 hours a day. This highly inefficient use of valuable urban land raises fundamental questions about how cities can become healthier, more resilient and more liveable.
To challenge established assumptions about mobility and public space, urban tactics and the non-profit think tank paper planes e.V. initiated the Manifesto for Free Streets. Together with mobility researchers from the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) and participation experts from the Technical University of Berlin, the project developed a vision for reclaiming streets as spaces for people rather than vehicle storage.
Published between 2021 and 2023, the manifesto presents seven theses that explore how public space could be transformed to address climate change, social cohesion, public health and urban quality of life.
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The Tactic
Through illustrations, visualisations and accessible storytelling, the manifesto presents a positive vision of a city where sustainable modes of transport become the norm and public space is reallocated to community uses.
Rather than focusing solely on mobility, the manifesto explores how freed-up street space could support urban greenery, local economies, social interaction, neighbourhood services and new forms of work. It argues that transforming streets can strengthen both environmental sustainability and local resilience.
Largely authored by urban tactics founder Simon Wöhr, the manifesto combines visionary thinking with practical recommendations. Alongside its spatial proposals, it offers concrete guidance on political implementation, stakeholder engagement and participatory decision-making processes.
The Result
The Manifesto for Free Streets has become an influential reference for mobility initiatives, urban practitioners and civic organisations across Germany. Its ideas continue to inform debates on public space, climate adaptation and sustainable mobility.
The publication has received national media attention and is frequently cited as an inspiring example of how ambitious urban transformation can be communicated in an accessible and engaging way.
“The creators of the manifesto succeed in showing what becomes possible when we reclaim our streets.”
— Radio Eins
“Read this book. Because after just a few minutes, you'll want to put it down and start improving your own neighbourhood.”
— Fabian Scheuermann, Frankfurter Rundschau
