Bub († 5) dies at Escher-Wyss-Platz in Zurich
Deadly gentrification
A kindergarten student was run over at Escher-Wyss-Platz in Zurich. The fact that it can come to this is also due to the city’s backward transport concept, writes Thomas Benkö. He is Teamlead Digital Blick.ch and rides his bike every day in Zurich.
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The scene of the accident at Escher-Wyss-Platz: the traffic rushes around the people – the bridge pier blocks the view.
Thomas «bo» BenkoTeamlead Digital Blick.ch
“Child died after a traffic accident,” says a succinct statement from the Zurich city police on Wednesday.
As a father, it’s choking. I know Escher-Wyss-Platz well. A juggernaut of tram lines and streets where drivers step on the gas because they’re about to be on the A1.
I went to school there myself – but when I was a teenager. The deceased boy was only five years old. Why does a kindergarten teacher have to cross this crossing? I can’t get the thought out of my head. I’ll answer my own question: failed gentrification!
In the former Zurich industrial district, residential towers are being built on derelict factories. Tram depots are becoming housing estates. That’s all well and good, apartments are scarce in the city.
“Unfortunately, politicians have forgotten to adapt the school and traffic conditions to the people.”Thomas Benko
Unfortunately, politicians have forgotten to adapt the school and traffic conditions to the people.
It is unacceptable for children to have to cross high traffic routes on their way to kindergarten or home in the afternoon. An existing underpass was dismantled here a few years ago.
I looked at the scene of the accident on Thursday on the way home. A puny little traffic island, on which stands a thick concrete bridge pillar, which additionally obscures the view. Inhuman traffic management!
I wish the parents a lot of strength.