European mobility week 20014
The 28th May was published on the web site European Mobility Week the Thematic Guide and the topic chosen this year is Our streets, our choice.
For most of the last century, cities have been shaped by urban planners in thrall to motor vehicles. Urban areas across Europe were remade to better facilitate cars, often at the expense of other forms of transport. The dominance of private vehicles has resulted in our cities becoming ever more congested, polluted and noisy, as well as less healthy and pleasant.
European Mobility Week 2014 aims to re-evaluate the way we view urban space. Throughout the week, the relationship between land use and quality of life will be examined. This year’s slogan, “Our streets, our choice”, encourages people across Europe to create the type of city that they want to live in.
Globally, there is an increasing movement to “reclaim” urban areas: car-parking spaces can be transformed into mini parks. Concrete streets can be used for community activities. Thoroughfares can make way for café seats and al fresco dining. In short, this year is all about reallocating and redesigning streets and public spaces in favour of people.
The needs of cyclists and pedestrians have often been sidelined – this year we hope to see a change in mobility priorities, so that those using low-impact and sustainable methods of transport can take centre stage.
From towns to cities, each of us is affected by the way we use space and the types of transport we choose to prioritise. Together, local authorities and citizens can design cities that put people first.