Cities in motion - Volume III: 'A city for whom?'

The third volume of Cities in motion, titled 'A City for Whom?', boldly navigates the multifaceted landscape of urban mobility, challenging us to redefine the very essence of our cities.

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At its core, a city is a reflection of its people — a dynamic interplay of spaces that nurtures life, work, and communal flourishing. Yet, too often, our urban mobility architecture neglects the fundamental needs and aspirations of communities. As we launch into this edition, we ask a profound question: 'A city for whom?'

The challenges we face: A call to action

In addressing this critical question, we embark on a journey that unravels the historical oversights embedded in our urban fabric. From vast highways slicing through communities to minority groups underserved or omitted from public transport services, this issue confronts the stark realities. The toll of air pollution, claiming over 200,000 lives annually in Europe, prompts the query: are our cities truly for everyone? When almost 20,000 people lose their lives on European roads each year and a disproportionate share of urban space is dedicated to cars, leaving low-income households without car ownership, the question echoes louder.

The success of our aspirations for decarbonisation and decongestion hinges on addressing this fundamental question. While electrification, automation, and digitalisation may seem like technological panaceas, the hard truth is that sustainable mobility requires inclusivity. Without shaping a city around its people, we risk falling short of our targets. Technology alone cannot bridge the gap.

This edition brings hope to the forefront. Across our cities and regions, transformative changes are underway, showcasing that bold and decisive action can lead to a more inclusive urban future. Engaging with local concerns, championing evidence-based decision-making, and thinking creatively are central to this transformative process.

Hope on the horizon: A glimpse of transformation

This latest issue (Volume III) illustrates how transformation is not just conceivable but is already in progress. We delve into cutting-edge projects reframing mobility as a 'right,' pioneering a public transport revolution. The relentless march of data, digitalisation, and AI rapidly revolutionising transport services takes centre stage. We track the latest changes in Mobility as a Service (MaaS), micromobility, and the European Mobility Data Space. Exploring how public policy can harmonise these advancements with inclusion and accessibility agendas is a key focus.

This edition scrutinizes the future of active travel, building upon the European Cycling Declaration. How can we capitalise on progress, translating principles and commitments into tangible action? Interviews with leading academics, including Stefaan Walgrave from the University of Antwerp, Romit Chowdhury from Erasmus University College, and Dr Sara Candiracci from Arup, provide evidence-based assessments, debunking the myth that sustainable mobility doesn't win elections.

Much like the second volume, this edition brings you to the frontline of Europe's transport transformation. Europe's local decision-makers share lessons on reconciling discord and moving in the same direction. POLIS’ outgoing President, David Dessers, Leuven’s Deputy Mayor, and incoming President Lot van Hooijdonk from Utrecht unite to examine shared aspirations, ideas, and practical strategies for fostering more sustainable transport within their cities. Antwerp’s Deputy Mayor Koen Kennis outlines how far the city’s mobility landscape has come and what lies on the horizon.

Bridging two pillars: Just Transition and leadership for change

Volume III bridges two essential pillars of POLIS work: the Just Transition and leadership for change. Witness how these vital ingredients unite to support economic growth, climate objectives, social cohesion, and political unity. As we ponder the question 'A city for whom?', the resounding answer becomes 'A city for all'!

Read Cities in motion Volume III: 'A city for whom?', HERE.

Winning with Sustainable Mobility

In preparation for the Annual POLIS Conference 2023, POLIS speaks with the Keynote Speaker of our Closing Plenary, Stefaan Walgrave, Professor of Political Science at the University of Antwerp, to exp...Read more

Read more 12/12/2023

Antwerp’s Advance

POLIS speaks to Koen Kennis, Vice Mayor of Antwerp and panellist for the Opening Plenary of our 2023 Annual Conference, about the future of sustainable mobility, and how a city renowned for being a lo...Read more

Read more 13/12/2023

Unlocking Inclusivity

Mobilising shared mobility services for a more inclusive and accessible future? Providers are leading the way! In this article, we delve into interesting examples from industry leaders Lime, Uber, Nex...Read more

Read more 13/12/2023

Focus on TEN-T

As the European Commission pushes forward with the revision of the trans-European Transport (TEN-T) Network Regulation, a transformative journey is underway to create a sustainable, efficient, and res...Read more

Read more 14/12/2023

UPPER in Action: Unleashing the Power of Public Transport

If cities and regions are to meet climate and modal shift targets, public transport needs to be front and centre; this is exactly what the UPPER project is on a mission to achieve! To listen to the r...Read more

Read more 14/12/2023

City of Men, City of Women

Cities, whether by chance or choice, often contribute to gender disparities. The city, and thus, its mobility, becomes the ground on which to negotiate the pulls between public and private values, wit...Read more

Read more 15/12/2023

Cycling Forward

Recently launched by the European Commission at Urban Mobility Days, the EU Cycling Declaration signifies a higher-level commitment to boosting cycling in Europe. But what does this Declaration truly...Read more

Read more 15/12/2023

Every Step Counts

Discover how user satisfaction is reshaping pedestrian indicators in Europe. The Walkability.App, a user-friendly tool gathering data to enhance urban walkability, shows how user-driven insights are t...Read more

Read more 15/12/2023

Bike-Sharing Is Caring

Discover how Fifteen is reshaping the future of bike-sharing schemes, making them more accessible, sustainable, and user-friendly. Learn about their insights, innovative solutions, and global impact,...Read more

Read more 18/12/2023

School Run of Fun

Explore how Turku, Finland, is revolutionising school travel to enhance children's well-being, learning capabilities, and environmental sustainability. Discover their holistic approach to foster cycli...Read more

Read more 18/12/2023

Fighting for Clean Air

Air pollution remains the number one environmental health risk in Europe, and the current lack of alignment between Europe’s air quality standards and emissions standards for road vehicles is a majo...Read more

Read more 18/12/2023

Cities in Dialogue

We sat down with outgoing and incoming POLIS Presidents David Dessers, City of Leuven, and Lot van Hooijdonk, City of Utrecht to learn more about their mobility aspirations. From Utrecht's world-renow...Read more

Read more 19/12/2023

Rotterdam Roadmap

Rotterdam has been at the forefront of sustainable city logistics for nearly a decade. Since the Green Deal City Logistics Rotterdam in 2014, the City has worked diligently towards the implementation...Read more

Read more 19/12/2023

Beyond Automation

From self-driving cars to drone delivery services, advances in technology are changing the face of transportation. However, these advances also transform companies’ business models, affecting the ro...Read more

Read more 20/12/2023

The Power of the Curb

Discover how cities can enhance freight planning, reduce environmental impact, and harness the potential of innovative strategies like cargo bikes. Dr. Anne Goodchild shares insights from Seattle, exp...Read more

Read more 20/12/2023

All Hands on Deck

Cooperation between local authorities and the private sector will be essential for achieving climate neutrality targets. Baden-Württemberg reveals how they are encouraging employers and commercial ve...Read more

Read more 20/12/2023

Equal Access to EV-Charging Stations

Uber shares insights on how to optimise charging infrastructure through the lens of ride-hailing. Data shows a startling gap between charging supply and demand, notably in suburban areas. Explore how...Read more

Read more 20/12/2023

A Vision that Spans an Ocean: Digitalised Mobility in the US and Europe

Cities and organisations in the United States and Europe explain their common vision for digitalised mobility, with concerns for efficiency, security, transparency, and standardisation in mind. From...Read more

Read more 20/12/2023

Catch My Bike If You Can

The past five decades have seen an upsurge in cycling in Amsterdam. As more and more residents have traded four wheels in for two, however, another trend has emerged: bike theft. With the annual value...Read more

Read more 20/12/2023

Safety First

Uncover the innovative safety technologies and approaches that set Voi apart in the dynamic world of micromobility. Explore how Voi collaborates with local authorities, harnesses data analytics, and e...Read more

Read more 21/12/2023

MaaSsive Promises

Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) has the potential to deliver more sustainable, resilient and human-centric mobility for the world. Yet despite some encouraging progress, significant barriers remain. Base...Read more

Read more 21/12/2023

A Space for Data

Explore the concept of Data Spaces and their role in the European Mobility Data Space (EMDS), driving innovation, trust, and data sharing across sectors. Uncover the state of play of EMDS, its benefit...Read more

Read more 21/12/2023

Viken Beats the Rush

How to use the available area smartly to enable priority of public transport without building a new physical public transport lane? Viken County Council is working on a pilot project to answer this qu...Read more

Read more 21/12/2023