Source: Urban Mobility Observatory, PHOEBE, IRF

The EU-funded ‘Predictive Approaches for Safer Urban Environment’ (PHOEBE) project aims to increase the road safety of vulnerable road users, especially those who use active mobility and e-scooters, through pilot programs in Athens, Valencia and the West Midlands. A detailed update on the project’s progress in Athens is now available.

The Athens segment of PHOEBE is a major regeneration project, the Athens Great Walk (AGW), which links the city’s historic sites. Following the recent completion of the main infrastructure works, the next stage moves to the monitoring, evaluation and refinement of implemented measures, with a focus on modal shift, sustainability and traffic safety. This stage includes:

• Final analysis of the behavioural and risk-related impacts of AGW, through integrated simulation and statistical models
• Validation of results through real-world data and Aimsun simulations, aiding understanding of how the measures impact safety, traffic flow and emissions
• The creation of evidence-based recommendations for the optimisation of urban design and traffic regulations

On January 1 2026, Greece will be implementing a city-wide 30 km/h speed limit in all urban streets, with the primary aim of significantly enhancing road safety. Under the PHOEBE project, scenarios for Athens were developed, both with and without the 30 km/h limit factored in.

Scenario 1 (Athens Great Walk only):

• Travel time reduced by 17.7%, distance by 12.8%, and delays by 8.4%
• Moderate speed reductions in central areas, reducing conflict risk
• Increased walking and use of micromobility, especially among younger age groups

Scenario 2 (AGW + 30 km/h limit):

• Further decrease in vehicle operating speeds, leading to greater safety without major congestion
• Continued environmental improvements, e.g. CO2 emissions remaining below baseline levels
• A significant transportation mode shift, with non-motorised travel rising by up to 20.8%, and motorised decreasing by 1.6%

The key outcomes under scenario 2 would be:

• Greater uptake of sustainable transport modes
• A safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists – some of the most vulnerable road users
• Positive environmental impacts, with minimal trade-offs
• Smoother, more efficient traffic flow