Transport and healthy, liveable cities

In this video, Andrew and Mel discuss ways of approaching planning for transport that integrate healthy, liveable, and accessible solutions based in local neighbourhoods and local places.

Cities around the world have been introducing new urban models for transport planning. From car-free cities, to superblocks, the compact city to the 15-minute city. These models assume the same goal – rather than prioritising cars, planners prioritise public transportation, walking and cycling.

Local urban development in cities

One example that focuses on local and neighbourhood solutions is based on the concept of the ‘x minute city.’ This concept offers a more holistic approach to urban development focusing on housing, facilities, the proximity of work, and the multifunctional use of space. This represents a shift from globalism to localism, a concept that emerged in Paris and has been adopted in cities across the world.

Here are a few examples:

The 15 minute city – Paris

In 2020, the Paris Mayor announced that Paris should become a 15-Minute City where residents are able to meet most of their needs within a short walk or bicycle ride from their homes.

The 10 minute city – Brussels

Brussels has launched a project that maps the accessibility of local amenities on foot, by bicycle and by public transport. The goal is to develop a guideline for future planning of amenities and housing that enables citizens to find all basic needs – green spaces, schools or shops – within less than ten minutes from home.

The 5 minute city – Vancouver

Early in 2021, a development plan for Vancouver as a 5-Minute City was presented. This plan divides the city into a framework of about 120 ‘community catchments,’ each containing at least one school, a commercially zoned intersection for walkable shopping and jobs, and a mix of housing in different price segments.

These are examples of integrated and high quality transport systems that prioritise walking, cycling and public transport. These projects can improve both physical and mental health by:

• physical activity
• social interaction and capital
• access to services and employment opportunities
• reducing air and noise pollution, traffic injuries, community severance, and crime rates.

Your Task

What exciting local mobility developments are you aware of both locally and globally?

By posting and discussing in the comment section below, a new resource will emerge for you.