DRIVING CHANGE TOGETHER; Empowering Communities through a Comprehensive Toolbox for Sustainable Urban Mobility and Collaboration
PK.1744. Strategic Local Planning
Driving Change Together; Empowering Communities through a Comprehensive Toolbox for Sustainable Urban Mobility and Collaboration
Ratib Bakri, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Chair of Landscape Architecture Supervised by: Joanna Storie, Ph.D Shimin Huang, M. Sc
According to Urban Mobility Readiness Index:
“Amsterdam ranks fifth in world's best cities for future mobility”
What about
Groningen? Urban spaces and mobility use are closely related to public participation in planning processes. The way people move around a city affects the liveability, accessibility, and sustainability of urban spaces[1]. Sustainable transportation options such as public transportation, biking, and walking can help reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise levels in urban areas. This can lead to a more pleasant and healthy environment for residents and visitors alike. However, to ensure that sustainable transportation options are prioritized in planning processes, it is crucial to involve the public in decision-making[2]. Public participation can help ensure that the needs and preferences of all stakeholders are taken into account when designing transportation systems and infrastructure. This can lead to more equitable outcomes that benefit everyone.
Effective public participation requires transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity. It is important to provide clear information about proposed projects and their potential impacts on the community. Additionally, it is crucial to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure that all voices are heard. By prioritizing sustainable transportation options and involving the public in planning processes effectively manage urban sprawl and create liveable environments with better mobility options for all.
Photo source; Van Der Schaaf, R. (Director). (2019, September 11). Groningen’s City Balcony. Bicycle Dutch. https://bicycledutch.wordpress.com/2019/09/11/whats-the-future-for-groningens-station-bike-parking/
Overview
THE NETHERLANDS
GRONINGEN
Groningen is a province in the Netherlands, with the city of Groningen as its largest city. It is known for its student population, cultural heritage, and natural landscapes. The region has a rich history and is a hub for education, culture, and commerce. Despite the fact that the Netherlands has made significant progress in sustainable urban mobility, Groningen has and is facing several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the increasing demand for mobility due to population growth and economic development [3]. This puts pressure on the existing transportation infrastructure and can lead to congestion, longer travel times, and reduced accessibility. Another factor contributing to urban mobility challenges in Groningen is urban sprawl. As the city expands, it can become more difficult for residents to access essential services and amenities without a car. This can
Fietsstad, G. (2015). Fietstunnel en ondergrondse fietsenstalling Hoofdstation [Map]. Retrieved from https://www.groningenfietsstad.nl/fietsstrategie/kompasprojecten/fietstunnel-en-ondergrondse-fietsenstalling-hoofdstation
lead to longer commutes and increased car use if not properly managed. Ageing infrastructure is also a concern, as it may become a barrier to implementing new sustainable transportation options[3]. Inefficient land use planning and a lack of funding are additional factors that contribute to urban mobility challenges in Groningen. Without proper planning, it can be difficult for the city to prioritize sustainable transportation options such as public transportation, biking, and walking. Lack of funding/neglect can also limit the city's ability to invest in new infrastructure or programs that could improve urban mobility[4].
Challenges These challenges with urban spaces can impact urban mobility by making it more difficult or less desirable to travel within the city. Addressing those requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the needs of different stakeholders, such as residents, businesses, and visitors. It also requires significant investments in infrastructure and technology, as well as changes in behavior and attitudes toward mobility.
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Ageing infrastructure: Many cities have inadequate transportation infrastructure due to the Neglect by the Dutch government where Insufficient funding may hinder the city's ability to invest in new infrastructure or programs, potentially impacting the quality of life for its residents
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Limited parking space With a high population density, parking space in Groningen is limited, which makes it difficult for car owners to find parking spots in the city as well as inadequate space for transportation infrastructure and services.
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The lack of green spaces in urban areas can negatively impact urban mobility as it can discourage people from walking or biking. This can lead to an overreliance on private vehicles or public transportation, exacerbating issues related to traffic congestion, air and noise pollution.
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Noise and air pollution[4] among the challenges that urban spaces pose, and they can affect the well-being of inhabitants and visitors. The noise from activities such as traffic and construction can cause discomfort and interfere with people's ability to rest or concentrate. Furthermore, transportation is a significant contributor to air pollution in many cities, leading to respiratory issues and other health problems for residents.
SWOT While Groningen has many strengths when it comes to sustainable urban mobility, there are also several weaknesses that need to be addressed. However, there are also many opportunities for improvement through new technologies and infrastructure investments. It will be important to address these challenges while continuing to build on the strengths of Groningen's existing transportation system.
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Strengths
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Opportunities
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Weaknesses
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Threats
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Comprehensive public transportation system with buses and trains Extensive network of bike paths and bike parking facilities Traffic calming measures that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists Comprehensive approach to urban mobility planning Increase in the use of electric transportation and shared mobility Grants from national or international organizations for urban mobility initiatives Crowdfunding platforms for citizen participation in urban mobility projects
Despite efforts to prioritize sustainable transportation options, car use is still high in Groningen, contributing to traffic congestion and air pollution. Ageing and inadequate infrastructure may hinder access by public transportation or bike. Limited parking space hinders the development of transportation infrastructure and services. Changes in government policies or priorities reducing funding Economic downturns or market fluctuations making outside funding difficult Rapidly changing technology trends making it hard to keep up Lack of state government funding limiting the city's ability to invest in infrastructure or programs.
Tool #1
Lets unpack Into seven tools
The toolbox is a set of measures that encourage collaboration towards the advancement of policies in integrated urban mobility, which must be utilized to enhance public involvement in the planning of urban mobility in Groningen. This calls for a thorough strategy that considers the requirements of various stakeholders, like residents, corporations, and tourists. These measures involve:
Provide clear and accessible information: Make sure that the information about the project or issue is easily accessible and understandable for everyone.
Tool #3
Provision of regular updates to the public on the progress of urban mobility plans and projects to increase transparency and accountability.
Using multiple channels of communication is important to ensure that community members are aware of planning processes and have opportunities to provide feedback. Some effective channels of communication include: Email newsletters, Flyers, Websites and Social media
Tool #4
Tool #6
Tool #2
Provide opportunities for feedback: Allow stakeholders to provide feedback throughout the process and respond to their concerns.
Tool #5 Create a welcoming environment: Ensure that public meetings are held in a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions.
Conduct pilot projects in different neighborhoods to test innovative mobility solutions and gather data on their effectiveness and public acceptance.
Tool #7 Conduct workshops: Workshops can provide opportunities for community members to learn about transportation planning processes and provide feedback on specific projects or initiatives.
Approaches While public participation is crucial, it alone cannot guarantee the excellence of urban mobility. To improve the quality of urban areas and foster a sense of communal responsibility, it is necessary to adopt more comprehensive approaches, such as:
Approach 1:
Approach 2:
A Coherent Wheelers Network
Tailored Parking Spaces
Creating a detailed plan to improve urban spaces, analyzing current conditions to find areas that require attention, engaging community members in the planning process, and gradually implementing the plan with small-scale improvements.
Use placemaking strategies: involving members in their design and improvement, promoting active participation in their maintenance, hosting events to increase their use, and providing opportunities for local artists and performers to display their work.
One of the actions could be; A Wheeler concept which contributes to intensive and sustainable use of our city. Bicycles are also essential to our attractiveness to businesses. Good bicycle connections to public transport hubs, to important economic motors and to the region are also essential to the Groningen economy. Thus, a future bicycle network in this strategy will be achieved.
An application for this approach could be introducing good parking facilities. Part of our approach is to experiment a little more. We learn what works and what doesn't. It is important that we do not force anything; cyclists; choose the most logical solution. We focus on influencing behaviour by providing attractive facilities and innovative measures.
Fietsstad, G. (2015). Fietstunnel en ondergrondse fietsenstalling Hoofdstation [Map]. Retrieved from https://www.groningenfietsstad.nl/fietsstrategie/kompasprojecten/fietstunnel-en-ondergrondse-fietsenstalling-hoofdstation
Approach 3:
Approach 4:
Interactive Communication System
Community Education
Promote community involvement by communicating project details and issues clearly through various channels, scheduling public meetings at convenient locations and times, allowing for ongoing feedback during planning, and utilizing social media platforms to engage with the community.
Encourage sustainability by integrating sustainable design principles in the planning process, promoting alternative transportation modes such as walking, biking, or public transit with safe infrastructure and amenities, and educating the community through workshops or educational materials.
Conclusion In order to make urban mobility more sustainable and its relation with liveability, it is necessary to increase public participation in relation with the use of urban spaces. To achieve this, a variety of stakeholders, including locals, businesses, and visitors, should be included in the planning process to ensure their needs are taken into account when designing public spaces and transportation systems. These approaches can lead to more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly streets, better access to public transportation, and more dynamic and engaging public spaces.
established that considers the interests of all stakeholders. Ultimately, improving urban mobility within the current infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that considers the needs of diverse stakeholders. It also requires effective communication methods, transparency in decision-making processes, and efforts to establish trust between different groups of stakeholders. By working together to create more liveable cities, the quality of life for all individuals who live or work in these areas can be enhanced.
Image Source(pixabay); J. Wittwer [Success Across Cultures]. (2022). 10 Cultural Universals: Transportation Culture & Social Movements. SAC. https://successacrosscultures.com/2018/07/13/10-cultural-universals-transportation-culture-social-movements/
To encourage public participation, it is important to unpack the toolbox which offers multiple platforms for engagement. By implementing these approaches and its actions, a more inclusive planning process can be
Image Source; J. Wittwer [Success Across Cultures]. (2022). 10 Cultural Universals: Transportation Culture & Social Movements. SAC. https://successacrosscultures.com/2018/07/13/10-cultural-universals-transportation-culture-social-movements/
Image Source; (Left)UK government to bring in e-scooter law. (2022, May 10). Getty. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/cars/1559424/electric-scooter-smart-technology-uk-driving-law-changes
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Cidell, J., & Prytherch, D. (Eds.). (2015). Transport, Mobility, and the Production of Urban Space (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315709680 Hijden (Sebastiaan), S. van der. (2021). Een marathon, geen sprint; Aangrijpingspunten voor de stedelijke mobiliteitstransitie op basis van de percepties van stakeholders. http://hdl.handle.net/2105/60580 Homrighausen, J. R., & Tan, W. G. Z. (2016). Institutional Innovations for Sustainable Mobility: Comparing Groningen (NL) and Phoenix (US). Transportation Research Procedia, 19, 151–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2016.12.076 Jos Arts. (n.d.). Infrastructure & Transport. University of Groningen. https://www.rug.nl/research/ursi/topics/infrastructure-transport Provincie Groningen. (2021). Wat Groningers Beweegt. Provincie Groningen.