Sustainable mobility, as defined by the European Council in 2006, ensures that public and private transport systems meet society’s needs while minimizing negative impacts. This concept has become increasingly relevant in today’s urban planning strategies.
Sustainable mobility today aims to reduce environmental impact while improving urban residents’ quality of life. It aligns with awareness-raising policies and innovative technologies that support zero-impact and eco-friendly travel.
Sustainable mobility aims to:
- developing efficient public transportation systems tailored to urban needs;
- promoting soft mobility solutions, such as electric scooters and bicycle;
- expanding Low Traffic Zones (LTZs) to reduce CO2 emissions and improve air quality.
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15 minutes city
The 15 minutes cities, a concept born in 2016 from French urban planner Carlos Moreno, reimagines urban living by ensuring all essential services are within a 15 minutes’ walk or bike ride. This model prioritizes inclusivity and sustainability, reducing dependence on cars.
In a 15-minute city, all essential services – such as schools, offices, supermarkets, and health facilities – are accessible within a quarter of an hour by walking, cycling, or using a scooter.
The 15-minute cities point to:
- drastically reduce vehicular traffic and associated emissions;
- improving citizen health by encouraging physical activity;
- foster community bonds and strengthen local economies.
An example in Europe? Paris, which is tearing up entire neighborhoods to further this vision.
Bike sharing: a key to sustainable urban travel
Bike sharing stands out as a pillar of sustainable mobility, offering residents and visitors a convenient solution for short-distance urban travel using shared bikes and e-scooters.
The key benefits of bike sharing include:
- cost-efficiency: bike sharing is typically more affordable than private transport options;
- strategic placement: bikes and e-scooters are available at key city locations for easy access;
- zero emissions: these options eliminate air pollutants, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional vehicles.
Cities like Bologna, Milan and Catania have embraced bike sharing, complementing it with innovative programs such as cash-back incentives for eco-friendly vehicle users.
Future scenarios, the outlook
The state of sustainable mobility in Italian cities reveals significant challenges despite notable progress. Key issues include:
- limited investments in infrastructure, hindering mobility improvements;
- lack of civic education programs promoting eco-friendly travel habits;
- fragmented mobility services, resulting in poor interoperability.
The report “The Future of Sustainable Urban Mobility. How will we move in 2035?” by Politecnico di Milano highlights key steps needed to achieve sustainable mobility in Italy:
- transitioning from private vehicle ownership to shared mobility solutions like carpooling and bike sharing;
- redesigning the public transport network to prioritize accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability.
How quickly these changes will happen (if at all) will depend, in large part, on policy choices. Some perceptions and habits, however, are already changing:
- owning a car no longer represents a status symbol;
- riding a bike is no longer just a necessity, but also a way to take care of your health;
- there is greater awareness about the impact of human activities on the environment.
With growing awareness and technological advancements, it is reasonable to expect significant strides toward a fully integrated and sustainable mobility system soon.
Simple ways to adopt sustainable mobility in daily life
Sustainable mobility can be integrated into everyday life through simple choices. For short trips or commuting within the city center, consider using soft mobility solutions, such as walking, cycling, or e-scooters, instead of cars and motorcycles.
Carpooling is another effective strategy for reducing traffic congestion and emissions. By sharing your vehicle with others traveling along the same route, you contribute to lowering fuel consumption and promoting community collaboration.
If buying a car is unavoidable, opt for a Euro 5 or Euro 6 vehicle to meet current emission standards. For older, more polluting cars, consider installing an approved particulate filter to reduce harmful emissions.
For motorcycles or mopeds, prioritize models with 4-stroke engines over 2-stroke ones. Four-stroke engines are not only more efficient but also emit significantly fewer pollutants.
Develop a sustainable mobility project in Europe. Contact us
No matter where you live – be it a small town or a bustling city – you can drive meaningful change with the help of European funding. Start developing your sustainable mobility project today and contribute to a greener future.
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