Sustainable urban mobility – good practices and interesting solutions

With an expert eye

Magdalena Pasik, Water Management Engineer and Environmental Engineer

In the age of climate change, coupled with the rise in urbanization and heightened urban traffic, contemporary cities encounter the task of establishing practical transportation systems and adopting sustainable mobility practices. The objective is to manage urban traffic effectively, in an environmentally friendly manner, and with social responsibility. The imperative to implement sustainable solutions in the realm of mobility is increasingly vital.

The rapid socio-economic growth of cities, particularly in the latter half of the 20th century, coupled with the aforementioned challenges, prompted a public discourse on halting environmental degradation. This concern found expression in various strategic documents, including the 1987 report of the UN World Commission on Environment and Development titled “Our Common Future.” This report defines sustainable development as the ability to harness the potential of cities without compromising the well-being of future generations. The importance of adopting sustainable urban mobility is underscored in initiatives such as the European Green Deal and the “Fit for 55” regulatory package, which advocate for effective and eco-friendly urban transport methods.

Given this context, it becomes pertinent to explore practical examples of sustainable solutions in urban mobility. This article will delve into various concepts introduced to mitigate the adverse impacts of this issue on both humans and the environment.

Copenhagen – or how to transform from a fishing village into one of the most ecological cities in the world

Copenhagen is more than just a geographical location; it embodies a compelling narrative of genuine metamorphosis. Starting as a humble fishing village in the early 20th century, the city has evolved into a sophisticated Smart City 3.0. This transformation reflects a journey from a quaint retreat to a fully-fledged urban hub teeming with vitality and innovation. Examining the city’s development strategy reveals a consistent focus by Copenhagen authorities on pivotal domains. These include prioritizing residents’ well-being, enhancing mobility, undergoing energy transformation, and championing sustainable development to foster environmental care and climate consciousness.

Green city

In 2014, Copenhagen earned the prestigious title of European Green Capital, and the designation is no coincidence. A remarkable 40% of the city comprises green spaces, with the expansive Naturcenter Vestamager standing out as the largest urban park, spanning an impressive 2,000 hectares within the city’s total area of 179.8 km2. These figures go beyond mere statistics, representing a meticulously crafted strategy aimed at harmonizing with nature. Notably, the average resident of Denmark’s capital is just a 15-minute walk away from the nearest park.

Copenhagen’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends further with the implementation of the Adaptive Climate Plan in 2010. This forward-looking initiative prioritizes the incorporation of green roofs and facades, making significant contributions to the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly practices.

The city of bicycles and Intelligent Traffic Management Systems

It’s noteworthy that Copenhagen has earned the distinction of being the Cycling Capital of Europe. The city boasts an extensive network of over 300 km of bicycle paths and well-designed urban infrastructure catering to both cyclists and pedestrians. This includes dedicated tunnels and crossings exclusively designated for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, exemplified by structures like Inderhavnsbroen. The popularity of cycling is substantiated by statistics revealing that the number of bicycles entering Copenhagen’s center surpasses that of cars. This achievement is a direct result of targeted investments in various amenities for pedestrians and cyclists, such as the renowned “green wave” that synchronizes traffic lights for cyclists, specialized wagons in public transport, and numerous small architectural elements enabling secure bike attachment.

Nevertheless, Copenhagen’s commitment to sustainable mobility extends beyond cycling initiatives. The city is actively investing in Intelligent Transport Systems, facilitating not only intelligent traffic control but also real-time monitoring based on traffic intensity. This approach enhances the efficiency of bicycle and bus flow, reducing CO2 consumption. It also serves as a proactive incentive for residents to opt for public transport over private vehicles due to its increased efficiency.

Electric Car-Sharing in Paris

Car sharing represents an innovative approach to urban mobility, involving short-term usage of cars typically for periods shorter than an hour, within specific urban areas. This service has entrenched itself as a permanent fixture in the urban landscapes of economically advanced countries, like Paris, for over a decade. In Poland, though still in its nascent stage, car sharing has started to make its presence felt, with small-scale projects emerging in cities like Kraków, Lublin, and Wrocław.

Car sharing encompasses diverse service models, with one prominent type being Business Carsharing, extending beyond corporate use. This service, offered by companies, provides flexible vehicle rentals for both individual and corporate clients. It features an extensive fleet dispersed across the city, accessible through smartphones or RFID cards. The service can operate in a fixed system, with designated pickup and return points, or as a ‘FreeFloating’ system, allowing users to drop off and pick up vehicles anywhere within the service area.

Another significant model is P2P Carsharing, built on a platform connecting private car owners with individuals in need of vehicle access. This approach seeks to optimize the utilization of privately owned vehicles that would otherwise remain idle, reducing maintenance costs for owners. Both car sharing models prioritize user convenience and savings, often incorporating additional services such as fuel, parking, or vehicle insurance into the overall costs.

What it looks like in Paris

Paris boasts a diverse carsharing landscape with six different companies offering such services, including Free2Move, ShareNow, Zity, Ubeeqo, Communeauto, and Moov’in. The average hourly rental cost, covering only the actual usage time of the vehicle, is around PLN 41. Notably, with a motorization rate of 65%, a significant portion of Parisian residents opts for various automotive-related services. The city, characterized by a high population density of 20,506 people per 1 km², underscores the widespread popularity of carsharing services in this dynamic urban setting. Carsharing providers have seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of Parisians due to the substantial demand.

Beyond the positive phenomenon of car sharing, Paris has taken further steps to enhance the environmental friendliness of this solution. In a notable move, Groupe Renault introduced a self-service rental service named ZITY by Mobilize on May 20, 2020, featuring a fleet of 500 fully electric Renault ZOE cars. To further accommodate the residents of the French capital, an additional 250 fully electric vehicles from the Dacia Spring brand were introduced in September 2021. This strategic decision aligns with Paris’s commitment to environmentally sustainable urban mobility.

Sustainable urban mobility – not only cars

A plan is underway to establish 150 charging stations for e-scooters in Paris’s thirteenth arrondissement, aimed at enhancing public space and fostering the development of electromobility infrastructure. The Estonian startup DUCKT, backed by the EIT InnoEnergy fund, will be responsible for providing these stations. This collaborative project is in partnership with the Paris Urban Lab, an urban laboratory dedicated to supporting the implementation of innovative solutions.

The DUCKT solution aligns with the “mobility as a service” (MaaS) model. Users of e-scooters will have the convenience of connecting their vehicles to the charger within seconds through a simple adapter. Leveraging Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the DUCKT station will automatically identify the scooter owner and initiate the charging process after securing the vehicle.

These modular charging stations are adaptable to various power sources, including advertising panels, bus shelters (when connected to the electricity grid), or street lamps. Furthermore, the charging points can incorporate independent energy sources like photovoltaic panels. This innovative approach not only streamlines the e-scooter charging process but also seeks to integrate these vehicles into the city’s infrastructure in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Transfer parking lots in city centers – Wrocław

The Wrocław Mobility Policy places a significant emphasis on enhancing the appeal of public transport and encouraging a shift from private cars to public transit. A key initiative in this regard is the implementation of the Park & Ride system, designed to motivate individuals to transition from their personal vehicles to public transportation.

The Park & Ride system involves strategically located parking lots in close proximity to transit stops and transfer hubs. This concept caters to individuals who choose to combine car travel with the use of public transport. Wrocław currently provides a total of 2,566 Park & Ride spaces, offering a practical and cost-free solution for a seamless transition from personal vehicles to public transit.

This approach yields numerous advantages for both users and the environment. Park & Ride facilities provide secure parking in convenient locations near public transport nodes, eliminating the need for searching for parking spaces in the city center. Additionally, this system contributes to improved air quality by reducing the number of individual vehicles and mitigating traffic congestion, thereby decreasing CO2 emissions. The Park & Ride initiative not only facilitates public transport use but also delivers social, environmental, and road safety benefits.

Smart City – Barcelona

Barcelona stands out as a dynamic city at the heart of an extensive metropolitan area, encompassing 36 municipalities spanning a total area of 633 km² and boasting a population exceeding 3.2 million. In 2014, the city earned the prestigious iCapital award from the European Commission, acknowledging its pioneering use of modern technologies to enhance the quality of life for its residents. The following year, in 2015, Barcelona secured the top spot in Juniper Research’s global ranking of smart cities.

Beyond its accolades, Barcelona not only garners recognition for its innovative urban planning but actively engages in global discussions on the future of smart cities, positioning itself as a leader in this evolving field. The city’s commitment to technological advancements and its proactive involvement in shaping the trajectory of smart cities underscore its prominence in the global landscape.

What activities does the city carry out?

Barcelona is currently actively implementing 22 programs that have led to the execution of over 200 specific projects incorporating advanced technologies. These initiatives are strategically designed to enhance the efficient functioning of the city. Among the innovative projects, the Superblocks program stands out as a revolutionary initiative with the goal of redefining the city’s street structure, emphasizing green spaces for residents, and mitigating traffic-related emissions.

The Superblocks program entails the transformation of traditional city blocks into clusters of “superblocks.” In these designated areas, peripheral streets remain accessible to traffic, while internal streets are exclusively reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Notably, this program introduces changes without necessitating major physical modifications, allowing for flexibility and experimentation in implementation.

Crucially, Superblocks aligns with the Urban Mobility Plan, a key component of the Barcelona Climate Pledge. This strategic measure aims to reduce traffic by 21%, increase vehicle-free space by over 23 hectares, and add 300 km of cycle paths throughout the city. These collective efforts are projected to result in a significant reduction of 159,100 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. The Superblocks program exemplifies Barcelona’s commitment to innovative urban planning that prioritizes sustainability and the well-being of its residents.

Transport solutions

Barcelona has made significant strides in public transport, implementing an optimized network of bus routes that includes zero-polluting vehicles. The city has particularly focused on the development of electric cars (vehículos eléctricos), with a substantial portion of city buses and taxis relying on electric drive. To support this transition, Barcelona has established 300 battery charging points located throughout various parts of the city.

The city has also prioritized adapting small architecture to meet the needs of residents and align with Smart Cities requirements. Notable examples include modern bus stops equipped with innovative solutions, such as solar panels activating screens displaying information about bus arrival times. These stops provide a comfortable space for waiting travelers.

Smart technologies have been seamlessly integrated into parking infrastructure. Sensors installed in parking lots can determine whether specific spaces are vacant or occupied. This solution not only assists drivers in finding available parking spaces but also contributes to a more efficient utilization of parking areas. Drivers can access real-time information via their smartphones using dedicated applications like ApparkB. Barcelona’s comprehensive approach to incorporating smart technologies across various aspects of urban infrastructure reflects its commitment to enhancing sustainability, efficiency, and the overall urban experience for residents and visitors alike.

Clean transport zones – a solution with many advantages, but also disadvantages

The Clean Transport Zone (SCT) represents a demarcated area with distinctive markings and specific traffic regulations that permit only vehicles meeting designated exhaust emission standards to operate within it. This established model, widely employed in Europe for several years, serves as a powerful tool aimed at enhancing air quality in urban environments and prioritizing the health of residents.

A key feature of the Clean Transport Zone is its ability to implement changes gradually, following a multi-year plan. This adaptable approach facilitates the phased adjustment of the SCT area, allowing cities to effectively implement measures focused on reducing emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. This strategic flexibility enables the introduction of changes in moderation and in alignment with a long-term plan, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment for residents. The Clean Transport Zone thus stands as a successful and flexible strategy for addressing air quality concerns in urban settings.

Controversies

The implementation of changes in traffic organization, particularly the introduction of Clean Transport Zones (SCT), tends to evoke strong emotions and controversy among the public. A survey conducted by autobaza.pl revealed that over 40% of respondents are opposed to the introduction of SCT.

This dissatisfaction often stems from the established habits of drivers who are accustomed to freely using private vehicles. Opposition to SCT frequently manifests in arguments asserting that these changes are either a result of pressure from electric car manufacturers or an attempt by city authorities to coerce residents into using public transport.

Complicating matters are discrepancies related to EURO standards for specific car models. Some small city cars with EURO 4 standards emit less CO2 than vehicles with the EURO 6 standard approved for entry. Doubts also arise regarding public transport networks, which have perceived drawbacks. These inconsistencies contribute to reluctance among both residents and car users.

It’s noteworthy that a significant portion of society does not fully grasp the essence of Clean Transport Zones and often cannot determine whether they are mandatory in their cities. Moreover, many individuals do not connect air pollution with car traffic. Research indicates that over 80% of owners of combustion vehicles are unaware of the exhaust emission standards applicable to their cars.

Furthermore, concerns extend to the potential impact of traffic restrictions in city centers. Some fear that these measures could negatively affect the accessibility of shops and pharmacies or complicate the use of medical services, especially for the elderly or disabled. It’s important to highlight that these restrictions won’t apply to vehicles adapted to transport disabled people, specifically tailored to their needs, or to cars of individuals over 70 years of age that meet specified conditions. These concerns underscore the complex and multifaceted nature of public opinion regarding changes in urban transportation policies.

Sustainable urban mobility – summary

The advancement of sustainable urban mobility is becoming increasingly vital for the development of modern cities, emphasizing the significance of adopting best practices and innovative solutions to enhance residents’ quality of life and protect the environment.

However, the introduction of such changes is not always met with unanimous public support. Resistance from drivers and residents may arise, underscoring the essential need for public education and effective communication regarding the benefits of sustainable mobility practices.

Sustainable urban mobility serves not only as a necessity but also as an opportunity to cultivate more friendly, efficient, and healthy cities. The successful implementation of good practices and innovative solutions hinges on collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as civil society. This cooperative effort is crucial to achieving the goal of sustainable urban mobility and ensuring a positive impact on both the urban environment and the well-being of its inhabitants.

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