IN-PLAN PRACTICE
Online Version
The policy brief Urban Mobility Adaptation to Climate Change is a document designed to raise awareness among policymakers and provide urban planners with insights into the impacts of climate change on Mediterranean cities, particularly focusing on mobility issues. The brief emphasises the need for urban planners to shift from solely focusing on decarbonising transportation to also incorporating adaptation measures to address the already noticeable effects of climate change. It highlights that future transport infrastructures will face new challenges due to climate impacts, necessitating updated planning approaches that consider new environmental, climatic, and socio-economic factors. The policy brief outlines the main impacts of climate change on urban mobility and suggests possible solutions to minimise these impacts. The content of the brief is based on a review of existing literature and feedback from experts in various fields, including mobility planning, urban planning, climate change, economics, and environmental health. These experts contributed through interviews and workshops organised by the Urban Transport project, allowing for a thorough exploration of how urban mobility can adapt to climate change from multiple perspectives.
Reference: UTC_5_3_2_Policy_Brief__4_Eng.pdf (interreg-med.eu)
The “Walk ‘n’ Roll Cities Guidebook” is designed to introduce public authorities, decision-makers, urban planners, and citizens to innovative concepts for mobility and public space. The guidebook is divided into three sections – WHY, WHAT, and HOW – which address the challenges of sustainable mobility and public space, provide high-level visions, and outline possible measures and steps for implementing transformation, respectively. Additionally, the guidebook illustrates the experiences of six selected cities to demonstrate how these cities are applying these visions and interventions. This mobility guide for cities of all sizes is a product of the Walk’n’Roll initiative, part of the URBACT Action Planning Networks. The process involved more than 25 cities and metropolitan areas working together to create a shared vision for sustainable mobility and public space.
Reference: Mobility | urbact.eu
The Healthy Streets Approach is a framework for designing public streets that promote health and prioritise people in the planning process. Central to this concept are ten Healthy Streets Indicators, each supported by scientific evidence showing that they enhance health, reduce inequalities, and encourage walking and cycling. These indicators include aspects such as People feel relaxed, Easy to cross, Shade and shelter, Places to stop and rest or Clean air. The city of London and Transport for London (TfL) adopted the Healthy Streets Approach in their first Health Action Plan, published in 2014. In 2017, they also released the strategy “Healthy Streets for London – Prioritising walking, cycling, and public transport.” To facilitate implementation, TfL offers a toolkit that includes a qualitative assessment called Guide to the Healthy Streets Indicators and a technical assessment tool called The Healthy Streets Check for Designers, which is a spreadsheet tool to assist designers in applying the approach.
References: Healthy Streets for London (tfl.gov.uk) & Guide to the Healthy Streets Indicators (tfl.gov.uk)
The Superblock concept from Barcelona is an urban planning strategy aimed at reducing car traffic and reclaiming public space for pedestrians and cyclists. It involves grouping several city blocks into a larger block where traffic is restricted. Within these Superblocks, streets are redesigned to prioritise walking and cycling, with more green spaces, seating areas, and playgrounds. This approach not only reduces noise and air pollution but also enhances community life by providing safer and more pleasant environments for residents and visitors. The city of Barcelona has been implementing the Superblock concept since the early 2000s, starting with the first transformation in the Gràcia district in 2003. The city has since refined and adapted the methodology to new standards. The initial Superblock program ran from 2012 to 2015, followed by the “Let’s Fill Streets with Life – Establishing Superblocks in Barcelona” program from 2016 to 2019. According to the actual mobility plan, a dense network of Superblocks is planned to be established across Barcelona by 2030.This concept has garnered international recognition, and several other cities are now experimenting with similar models.
Reference: Welcome to Superilles | Superilles (barcelona.cat)