Plan modal shift to sustainable transport
From Energy Cities Wiki
Proposal 5.4
Contents |
The problem at hand
The transition towards a more energy-efficient world is also, and above all, a matter for the transport sector. Reducing energy use in this sector is much more complicated that in buildings. Changing the way we travel means changing our habits and involves more than just having one’s flat insulated.
Reducing energy use in the transport sector also involves reorganising city space so as to give public space back to the inhabitants.
The local authority has, therefore, an indispensable role to play in changing the current situation. The car culture has reached its climax. The most attractive cities are those who privilege walking, cycling and public transport. Achieving 50% of journeys by bikes or public transport takes time. It also requires some planning as well as a long-term, strictly applied strategy.
Proposal
An urban and peri-urban mobility plan is a diagnosis of the current situation: origins, destinations and journey purpose; modes of transport used; energy used for transportation, and more importantly. This is about the objectives we want to reach (quieter city, public space given back to the inhabitants, cycling and pedestrian path networks, improved or transformed public transport) and the time allowed for reaching them. Figure-based targets in terms of modal distribution and energy use have to be defined.
Conditions for success
• Creating cohesion between decision-makers and urban planners, public and private transport operators and user (cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) associations.
• Having a trained and motivated technical team.
• Working as a team from the beginning of the process and throughout all its phases.
• Keeping the population informed of the objectives, seeking its consent and, if possible, its desire.
• Keeping steadfast despite the obstacles to change.
Cities and towns that show the way
Ghent, Belgium
500,000 inhabitants
A pioneering city of sustainable transport in Belgium
In 1993, the city contributed to the promotion of cycling culture by developing cycling infrastructure, a “bike unit” within the local administration and by taking measures to prevent theft.
In 1997, Ghent launched its city centre Mobility Plan. This plan includes the creation of a large pedestrian area, the introduction of 30 kph zones and the redevelopment of streets and squares. Recent studies have confirmed that Ghent is now more pleasant to live in and visit than it was ten years ago.
As part of the CIVITAS initiative, Ghent has been implementing the following policy since 2008: hybrid buses, free access to electric vehicles, renovated bus stops, introduction of a real-time information system for public transport users and installation of bike sheds in new buildings.
Koprivnica, Croatia
33,000 inhabitants
The bicycle miracle!
Koprivnica has been actively promoting cycling for a number of years, notably through its participation in the European Mobility Week. The initial success of the initiative encouraged the city to take permanent measures that have transformed Koprivnica into the “regional cycling champion”.
The city received the European Mobility Week Award in 2007. Koprivnica then continued to promote sustainability by launching “Streets for People”, a programme aimed at making the city more accessible to all by reallocating 1.5 km of streets to non-motorised traffic and by promoting walking and biodiesel public transport. The municipality also wishes to engage national and regional networks in more ambitious urban sustainable transport projects.
Odense, Denmark
160,000 inhabitants
“The Danish cycling city”
The Danish Ministry of Transport chose Odense to become the “Danish cycling city”. A number of campaigns were carried out to encourage citizens to use their bikes daily. As a result, the number of cyclists increased by 50% between 1990 and 2000.
The “RIT” campaign aims to encourage parents to take their children to the kindergarten or to school on foot or by bike as often as possible. Children receive a raffle ticket for each trip made. The “Free wheel” campaign is targeting children aged 12 and 13. They are invited to take part in a team contest to obtain the highest number of kilometres by cycling to school or during their free time.
All cycling innovations and good practices are celebrated during the “Bike Festival” organised each year at the City Hall.
But also...
Skopje, Copenhagen, London, Lille, Helsinki, Budapest, Bologna...
