The state capital of Mainz wants to promote safe, independent, and sustainable mobility for schoolchildren. In addition to walking, bicycles play an important role in secondary schools, as do public transportation such as buses and trains. These modes of transportation are not only suitable for everyday use, they also promote independence and the urban experience for young people.

Due to many urban developments, such as the establishment of the IGS Europa, the development of the Heiligkreuzviertel district, and the expansion of Biontech, the challenges for safe and sustainable (school) mobility along Hechtsheimer Straße are particularly high. For this reason, the state capital of Mainz and interested schools along Hechtsheimer Straße are receiving support from the "Besser zur Schule" (Better to School) consulting and training program run by the Society for Integrated Transport and Mobility Management in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Region (ivm). The aim of the project is to develop "school mobility plans" for IGS Europa, Theresianum, and Gymnasium Oberstadt. Up to seven other schools could be supported by the consulting and training program in the future. 

The series of events began at each school with a walk through the city, during which important conflict sites were visited and discussed.

• 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 to the public. Parents, students, and other directly affected parties were invited to participate directly by the city administration.

Mainz Upper Town

The project started in September and October 2025 at the respective schools. The school mobility plans are scheduled for completion in fall 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 first dates for the city walks have taken place. Possible measures were then discussed and specified in various workshops.