Sustainable urban mobility

Abstract

For many cities, traditional transport comprises a sizeable percentage of total carbon emissions. It also contributes to air pollution, poorer health, and resource inefficiencies in the form of higher oil prices, traffic jams, etc. Often city policy-makers do not account for climate change impacts and natural disasters or consider alternative transport options and networks. It does not have to be like this. Cities can continue to develop and grow, attracting industry, high-skilled workers, tourists with sustainable urban design, and mobility. With walking, cycling, green public transport, and shared vehicle use taking the lead, and supported by ICT, cities can become less reliant on traditional and personal transport. Instead, city policy-makers can aim to increase accessibility and convenience to their residents and visitors alike, including rapid and safe mobility in times of emergency. This can be done with good urban design, behaviour change, advance technology, supportive policies, economic incentives, and city engagement and leadership.