What you can do: campaigns and alternatives

We’ve seen that currently dominant transport modes are a huge source of emissions.

However, we have also seen that many changes can be made to reduce transport emissions while also improving our transport systems and cities. 

Now, let’s look at some powerful campaigns or actions seeking to create such changes, as well as some of the inspiring alternatives that already exist and some of the positive changes that are already underway.

When reading the examples below try to keep in mind which of these stand out to you and which you could see being implemented in your context.  

Superblocks

Superblocks are about taking urban space back from cars and turning them into safe public spaces for leisure, play or community. The streets within a superblock are typically closed to regular traffic. Only residents’ vehicles, public transport, emergency vehicles and bicycles are allowed inside the block, while other traffic is redirected around it. This significantly reduces the space needed for traffic within the block, making it possible to use the freed-up space for things that serve the local community, such as playgrounds, urban gardens and community centres.

Bike-friendly Paris

Over the past decade, Paris has become a global leader in reclaiming streets for pedestrians and cyclists. The city has transformed roads, such as the iconic Pont d’léna, into pedestrian-only zones and established hundreds of kilometres of protected bike lanes. These changes have dramatically reduced car traffic in central Paris, improved air quality and created vibrant public spaces.

The 15-minute city

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The 15-minute city redesigns urban spaces so residents can reach all essential services and amenities within 15 minutes of walking or cycling, reducing car travel and thus emissions. It also ensures accessible infrastructure and inclusive transport options for people with reduced mobility so everyone can benefit from the concept. They also highlight the importance and benefits of inclusive community engagement where everyone participates in redesigning the city.

Free public transport for residents in Tallinn, Estonia

In 2013, Tallinn became the first capital city in the world to introduce free public transport for its residents. Funded through local taxes, this initiative aimed to reduce car usage, improve accessibility and encourage more sustainable travel options. The policy has increased overall public transport use and reduced air pollution, while making the city more equitable by ensuring everyone has access to essential services without worrying about transport costs.

Community bike kitchen

A bike kitchen or bike café is a place where people can cheaply repair their bikes through do-it-yourself (DIY) work, while being provided with the necessary tools, parts and expert guidance. As such, bike kitchens help to promote cycling, making it more attractive and affordable to everyone, while also building community. Bike kitchens are thus an important community-based initiative that supports the transition to climate-friendly active travel.

Bogotá’s car-free days

Since the 1970s, Bogotá, Colombia, has been closing down major streets every Sunday and holiday for its renowned ‘Ciclovía’ programme. From 7am to 2pm, over 120 kilometres of city streets become car-free, welcoming millions of people to walk, run, skate and cycle. The initiative has become a celebrated weekly event, encouraging active transport and fostering a sense of community.

Carpooling 

Carpooling is about making car journeys more efficient by sharing a car with several people, while also sharing costs. If four people drive from A to B in only one car, this produces roughly only a quarter of how much would have been emitted if each of the four people were to travel in their own car. Carpooling can thus significantly reduce transport emissions as well as air pollution, traffic congestion, road space and parking spaces, and of course costs. You can carpool with friends, or you can use platforms like Blablacar or Lyft.

Share your perspective

Thinking about these examples in relation to your home city or town, consider your responses to the following questions:  

• Which of these changes resonates the most with you, and what do you like about it? 
• Could you see yourself getting involved in something like this?  
• Are you aware of anything similar already happening in your city or town? 
• Which actions do you think are best for bringing about positive changes in the transport system in your context? 

Share and discuss your responses with other learners in the Comments section.