News
09/12/2025

Breaking free: Key takeaways from the Just Transition Webinar 

Considerably reducing car ownership is not an impossible task, even in peri-urban and rural areas where alternatives remain limited. 

This was the central message of the latest POLIS  Just Transition x SMC Platform x Active Travel & Health Webinar, 'Breaking free: Reducing car reliance in Small and Medium-Sized Cities', bringing together leading voices from across Europe. 

Featuring Wieger Postma (City of Leeuwarden), Annarita Leserri (Pinbike), Isabel Garnika (City of Vitoria-Gasteiz), and George Gorgogetas (e-trikala), looked at how small and medium-sized cities (SMCs) can lower forced car ownership and broaden mobility options. 

Through practical case studies and a range of perspectives, the speakers highlighted the potential of SMCs to lead in creating innovative, inclusive mobility solutions that reduce car dependency. Covering everything from forward-thinking policies and demand management strategies to low-cost, citizen-focused interventions, the session offered both inspiration and actionable guidance for SMCs to rethink their mobility systems and advance a just transition away from car reliance. 


The resources you may want and need

The full report (PDF) is available for download, offering in-depth insights, practical examples, and key conclusions from the webinar:

READ THE REPORT

The presentation slides and webinar recording are available exclusively to POLIS members via the Members Area.

If you want to receive these exclusive materials and keep informed on the activities of the Just Transition Taskforce, reach out to Alessia Giorgiutti and Laura Babio. 

For additional information on the SMC Platform and the Active Travel & Health Working Group, contact Cláudia Ribeiro-Vervaeck and Andréia Lopes Azevedo, respectively.