Europe of Cities’ Post

𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 🏙️🌱 The movement toward 𝐜𝐚𝐫-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 is gaining momentum globally, and governments are fast-tracking policies to transform urban spaces into 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧-𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 environments. ------------- 🌍Here's a fresh look at some of the most exciting developments happening right now in cities across the globe: - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬 "𝟭𝟱-𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲" 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥: Paris continues to lead the way with Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s vision of the 𝟭𝟱-𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲, where everything a resident needs—work, shopping, healthcare, and leisure—can be accessed within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. Recently, Paris has intensified its efforts by 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬 from key areas like the Champs-Élysées, transforming them into pedestrian havens. This model is now influencing cities worldwide! -𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 🇪🇸: Barcelona is expanding its famous 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬 program, where clusters of city blocks are reconfigured to give priority to pedestrians and cyclists, drastically reducing the number of cars allowed within these areas. With plans to 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 the number of Superblocks by 2025, Barcelona aims to create a healthier, quieter, and more breathable city for its residents. 🌿🚶♀️ -𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 🇩🇪: Berlin is preparing for one of the 𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 in the world! A recent citizen-led initiative has gained enough traction to propose a massive area in central Berlin where 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝. The project, which is currently being finalized, aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality while making the city safer for pedestrians and cyclists. -𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 🇺🇸: In a significant update, New York City recently announced plans to e𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 during weekends to seven days a week in some parts of Manhattan. The initiative will drastically reduce traffic in heavily populated areas, cutting emissions and giving more space to pedestrians and cyclists. 🚴♂️🏙️ -𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞 (𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐙) 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 🇬🇧: Just this August, 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐙 to cover all boroughs, charging older, polluting vehicles to enter the city while encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, and electric cars. This move is expected to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, creating a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. 🚗 -------------------- #townplanning #transportplanning #transportation

Let’s explore how cities are revolutionizing urban mobility with innovative solutions! 🌍🚴♂️ BARCELONA Urban mobility is evolving worldwide, with many cities pioneering innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life for their residents. One notable example is the "superblocks" concept, which has been successfully implemented in several Spanish cities, starting with Barcelona. What are Superblocks? Superblocks are large, car-free zones that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to reduce traffic congestion, lower pollution levels, and create more public spaces. This initiative in Barcelona started in 2017 and has since transformed the urban landscape, making the city more livable and sustainable. Benefits of Superblocks: ✔ Reduced Traffic and Pollution: By restricting car access, superblocks significantly cut down on traffic-related pollution and noise, creating a healthier environment. ✔ Increased Public Spaces: These areas are redesigned to provide more parks, playgrounds, and social spaces, enhancing community interaction. ✔ Boosted Local Economy: With fewer cars, local businesses often see an increase in foot traffic, boosting economic activity in the area. ✔ Enhanced Safety: With fewer vehicles, the streets become safer for pedestrians and cyclists, encouraging more people to walk or bike. Beyond Barcelona, other cities are adopting similar models, showcasing a growing trend towards sustainable urban planning in Spain. These efforts highlight the potential for cities worldwide to rethink their approach to urban mobility, making them greener and more people-friendly. 🌿🚴♀️ Discover more about how embracing cycling and innovative urban planning can transform city life by following our profile! #UrbanMobility #SustainableCities #BikeCommute #Barcelona

🚶♂️🌍 Do you like to walk? 🌿 One of the things I appreciate most about living in Europe is how walkable and accessible the cities are compared to the USA. A recent study highlighted that European cities consistently rank higher in walkability, which directly contributes to healthier, more sustainable, and vibrant communities. Here are a few key takeaways from the study: 🏙️ Compact City Design: Many European cities are designed with pedestrians in mind, with amenities, schools, and public transport just steps away. 🚴♀️ Reduced Car Dependency: Prioritizing public transport, cycling, and walking reduces traffic congestion and encourages a more active lifestyle. Less driving means fewer emissions and more time outdoors! 🏞️ Better Quality of Life: Walkable cities foster more human connections, greater independence (especially for kids), and a stronger sense of community—key elements for expats looking to feel at home abroad. For expats considering a move, walkability can be a significant factor in choosing a destination. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about building a lifestyle that supports well-being and sustainability. What’s your experience with walkability in Europe compared to the US? Let’s discuss in the comments! 👇 #Expats #Walkability #Sustainability #UrbanLiving #LifeAbroad #ConnectedFinancialPlanning 👉 P.S. If you're an expat looking for guidance, sign up for our free six-week email course: https://lnkd.in/eGNqvESX

🌍 Cities of the Future: How Streets are Becoming Spaces for People, Not Cars! 🚶🚶 Did you know walking is more than just a means of transport? It’s a solution for a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, and cities worldwide are placing pedestrians at the heart of urban development. Here are some curiosities about cities adopting pedestrian-friendly initiatives: 🟢 Paris – Once a month, Champs-Élysées becomes a pedestrian zone as part of the “Paris Respire” program, which limits car access to reduce pollution and allows residents to explore the city by foot. Mayor Anne Hidalgo even proposed “superblocks” where cars are banned, encouraging walking and cycling. 🟢 Milan – Hosts "car-free Sundays," or “Domenica a Spasso,” when traffic is banned, offering an opportunity for residents and tourists to walk, exercise, and socialize. Milan also implemented "Area C," a central zone limiting vehicle access to cut emissions and promote greener lifestyles. 🟢 Copenhagen – One of the most pedestrian-friendly cities, Copenhagen introduced pedestrian streets in 1962. "Strøget," one of the world’s oldest and longest pedestrian streets, runs through the city center, inspiring many other cities to invest in sustainable mobility. 🟢 Bogotá – Every Sunday, the "Ciclovía" program dedicates streets to pedestrians and cyclists, transforming them into social, recreational spaces, promoting a healthier, more active lifestyle. #MOVEITlikeLublin #urbanmobility #cityesofthefuture

Prioritization of pedestrians should be a key point in all urban development strategies. The initiatives listed below are wonderful examples of what can be done (efficiently and impactfully) across large cities. #sustainability #urbandevelopment #pedestrians #walking

Reviving Urban Life: Lessons from Copenhagen's Strøget Copenhagen Road Safety & Active Travel Series - Post #1 Strøget is Copenhagen’s famous pedestrian street that over the years has evolved to become the thriving heart of the city. It runs from the City Hall to The King’s New Square – a stretch of 1.1 kilometers. But, when city officials opened the first section in 1962, they met with their fair share of controversy and even received death threats! Traders worried they would lose business. Instead, more people flowed into the area bringing commercial benefit and renewing street life. Over time more sections were added eventually becoming the unique place for urban ‘sojourning’ that it is today. About this series: Over the next 3 months, we'll share curated snapshots of Copenhagen's streets and urban environment. Our goal is to bring more road safety and active travel learnings to Australia/New Zealand. Stay tuned! Before 1962 Copenhagen was a city dominated by cars. Since then, the city has evolved to become one of the most pedestrian and cyclist friendly places in the world. Apart from Australia’s royal connection with Denmark, several Australian cities have been strongly influenced by Danish approaches to urban design. Seeing is believing and the snapshots we’re bringing you provide an opportunity to imagine what is possible. HA Consulting Pty Ltd Mo Rasooli Delvis Yendra Acknowledging the expertise and support of Arpad Maksay

Imagine a city where e-bikes make travel faster and greener, but without blocking the sidewalks! In London, they’ve solved this by setting up special parking spots for e-bikes, keeping the streets organized. I think this is a great example of how rules and new tech can work together. Could other cities like Berlin adopt this idea? It's exciting to think about how smart planning can create cleaner, more organized cities. What do you think—how can we improve our urban spaces? Share your thoughts! #green transportation.

It seems we’re not quite ready to give up the comfort of our four wheels just yet. Despite our love for walkability and the “15-minute city” concept, over half of us in 794 cities worldwide still commute to work by car daily. North American cities are leading the pack with their long-standing pro-car policies. Asian cities are setting a good example by favoring public transport. And European cities are keeping things interesting with their diverse travel patterns. Surprisingly, Quelimane, a small seaport in Mozambique, is the most active city in terms of walking or cycling. Who knew? Interestingly, the larger and wealthier the city, the more car journeys are made. In fact, if a city’s income doubles, car journeys increase by a whopping 37%! But it’s not all doom and gloom. Many rich cities are making strides to reduce car usage. For instance, only 30% of people in Singapore and 20% in Paris drive to work. Despite the global rise in the number of cars, there’s a growing recognition of the need for change. The concept of “peak car”—the point at which the number of motor vehicles begins to decline—may not be far off. This shift is even noticeable in America, where younger generations are driving less, and more cities are developing walkable neighborhoods. My city, Montreal, with a population of 1.8 million, ranks 453rd globally in terms of active travel, with only 7% of the city’s population engaging in active travel. But change is on the horizon. In 2024, Montreal is adopting a new Land Use and Mobility Plan 2050 to redesign the city and shape mobility for a green transition. The plan aims to improve physical and mental health, share public space, and reduce inequalities. It includes a multi-phase participation process with workshops and public consultations. After consultations, the city will refine the plan to reflect citizens’ aspirations, adopt it, and work with the community to innovate and monitor progress. This initiative represents a significant step towards transforming Montreal into a more walkable and sustainable city. So, here’s to embracing change, promoting sustainability, and working towards a greener future! 🌳🚶♀️🚶♂️ #SustainableCities #UrbanMobility #GreenTransition #15MinuteCity #Montreal2050

**Congratulations to Barcelona for Ranking Among the Best Bike Share Cities in 2024!** We are thrilled to celebrate Barcelona's remarkable achievement as one of the top five bike share cities in 2024. According to PBSC Urban Solutions’ Anthony Rinaldi, who shared insights from the Velo-city 2024 roundtable, Barcelona's Bicing bike-sharing system recorded an impressive 17.6 million trips in 2023 and attracted 148,000 subscribers. This accomplishment underscores the city's unwavering commitment to sustainable transportation and sets a benchmark for urban micromobility solutions worldwide. Barcelona's success story is a testament to its strategic investments in expanding and enhancing its bike-sharing infrastructure. By prioritizing accessible and eco-friendly transportation options, Barcelona not only promotes a healthier lifestyle but also addresses urban mobility challenges effectively. Let's celebrate this milestone and look forward to seeing more cities follow Barcelona’s lead in creating sustainable and efficient transportation networks. #UrbanMobility #BikeShare #serveo #bicing #pedalem #SustainableTransport #Barcelona #PBSCUrbanSolutions #VeloCity2024