The state capital of Mainz aims to promote safe and independent mobility for students. In addition to walking, bicycles and public transportation also play an important role for secondary schools. These modes of transportation are not only practical for everyday use; they also foster independence and help young people experience the city.

Due to numerous urban development projects, such as the establishment of the IGS Europa, the development of the Heiligkreuz district, and the expansion of BioNTech, the challenges for safe and sustainable (school) mobility along Hechtsheimer Straße are particularly significant. Therefore, the state capital of Mainz and the interested schools along Hechtsheimer Straße are receiving support through the “Besser zur Schule” (Better to School) advisory and training program offered by the Society for Integrated Transport and Mobility Management in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region (ivm). The goal of the project is to develop “school mobility plans” for IGS Europa, the Theresianum, and the Gymnasium Oberstadt. Up to seven additional schools could be supported by the advisory and training program in the future. 

The series of events began at each school with a walking tour of the city, during which participants visited and discussed key points of conflict.

• The IGS Europa city walk took place on September 17, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the immediate vicinity of the school. 
• For the Theresianum, September 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. was set for a city walk.
• The city walk for the Gymnasium Oberstadt took place on October 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

These events were closed public participation events. Parents, students, and other directly affected stakeholders were invited to participate directly by the city administration.

Mainz Upper Town

The project began in September and October 2025 at the respective schools. The school mobility plans are scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2026.

The implementation of the "Better to School" program is supported by the planning office Sweco, and these costs are 100% funded by ivm GmbH. With the exception of organizational and personnel expenses, there are no costs for the city administration.

The series of events began at each school with a group walk through the city, during which participants visited and discussed key conflict areas. Following this, workshops were held at each school to discuss potential measures, which will be further developed in a subsequent workshop.