Cities in motion - Volume V: 'Charting the Course'

The fifth volume of Cities in motion, titled ‘Charting the Course,’ explores how cities across Europe adapt to the growing demand for sustainable and resilient mobility solutions while striving to meet the pressing challenges posed by climate change, geopolitical instability, and rapid urbanisation.

As 2024 unfolds, Europe faces increasingly severe climate events, such as devastating flooding caused by prolonged heavy rains. These events, including the catastrophic floods in Valencia, are stark reminders of the urgency of addressing climate change and building more resilient cities. At the same time, global political shifts—like the re-election of Donald Trump in the United States—have cast a shadow over international cooperation on climate action, underscoring the complex and often contradictory environment in which cities must navigate their mobility futures.

Stories of resilience

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In this shifting landscape, the 'Charting the Course' theme emphasises the need for resilience, innovation, and collaboration. Cities across Europe, from bustling metropolises like Brussels and Budapest to smaller urban centres such as Lille, Arad, and Aalborg, are actively rethinking their transport networks. These cities are developing solutions that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially inclusive, offering lessons on how to innovate and adapt for a better tomorrow.

Particular focus is given to cities in Ukraine, including Mariupol, Zviahel, Uman, and Lviv, which are rebuilding their mobility systems amid ongoing conflict. With support from POLIS, these cities are seizing the opportunity to incorporate sustainable transport solutions into their recovery plans, showing the world how resilience and innovation can flourish even in the most difficult of circumstances.

The secret ingredient? Cooperation of all mobility actors!

The role of public-private partnerships in advancing mobility also takes centre stage in this issue. Companies like #POLIS24 Platinum and Diamond Sponsors BOLT and FREENOW are actively collaborating with cities to ensure that mobility platforms are effectively integrated into urban systems, bridging the gap between technology, policy, and citizen needs.

This cooperation is essential to meeting the evolving demands of urban mobility and is highlighted in the Future of Mobility 5.0 report by Arthur D. Little and POLIS, which emphasises the importance of policy reform, demand management, and cross-sector partnerships.

Leading thinkers paving the way

In addition, we hear from experts and activists who argue that cities must not only prioritise sustainability but also ensure equity and inclusivity in their urban planning. Interviews with leading thinkers, including Philipp Rode and Lars Strömgren, discuss how cities can create environments where the car is no longer the default, but rather, public transit, walking, and cycling take centre stage. These conversations are further enriched by voices like Nourhan Bassam, Safaa Charafi, and Ines Kawgan-Kagan, whose work reimagines urban spaces to be safer and more inclusive for all residents, particularly marginalised groups.

This issue also delves into the concept of 'inclusive mobility' through the voice of Sebastien Sutherland, who promotes diversity in cycling communities, and Meredith Glaser’s efforts in Flanders to challenge and reframe cycling as a mode of transport. Furthermore, ethical tourism and its connection to mobility are explored through the work of Nina Nesterova, who urges a shift towards more sustainable, intentional travel experiences.

Read Cities in motion Volume V: ‘Charting the Course,' HERE.

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