Source: URBACT

Explore eight innovative urban mobility solutions that have recently received the prestigious URBACT Good Practice label.

In our increasingly connected world, creating an efficient and appealing urban mobility experience for all is essential for a vibrant city. Transportation options must be both accessible and adaptable to meet diverse needs, while also delivering benefits to local residents and visitors alike. These advantages can manifest in various ways, such as reduced costs, enhanced efficiency, or improved health outcomes—ultimately making travel within and to a city a more pleasant experience.

Here we look at eight notable urban mobility solutions, part of the 116 newly recognized URBACT Good Practices. At the close of 2024, European cities and regions were encouraged to present their sustainable development initiatives through an open call. Each URBACT Good Practice was chosen based on a thorough expert evaluation, considering its local impact, the extent of participatory and integrated approaches, and its potential for replication in other European cities.

Motivations for specific mobility purposes

Although various solutions might be publicly available, the mobility experience is not equal for everyone, and the choice of modes of transit are highly dependent on the specific travel purpose. For cities to provide and facilitate suitable urban mobility solutions, an understanding of the common needs and desires of mobility users, sharing a specific mobility purpose, is crucial.

#1 – Zaragoza (ES)

The STARS Zaragoza Project has reached 12,000 primary and secondary school students through an initiative to utilise non-polluting means of travel. By focusing on the promotion of students’ autonomous commuting, city authorities have achieved remarkable results. These include: (i) the establishment of student groups that encourage the use of bikes, supported by a teacher network; (ii) the introduction of female biking role models; (iii) the design of personalised school routes.

The project’s impact extends beyond the local. Thanks to an alliance between local, regional and state administration and public bodies, the project acts as a beacon of successful multi-level governance.

#2- Strasbourg Eurométropole (FR)

Cycling is not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly for many individuals. The Au Boulot à Vélo, or Bike to Work Challenge, promotes bike commuting, particularly targeting professionals, and is organized in partnership with a local NGO. This annual campaign, which spans the entire month of June, collaborates closely with local cycling groups and businesses.

In the latest edition, 17,000 participants took part, with over half being women, showcasing a growing trend. Remarkably, more than 2,000 of these participants were newcomers to biking for work. This initiative demonstrates to many that a work commute by bike is not only feasible but also an appealing option.

#3- Faenza (IT)

The Bike to Work initiative stands out as another exemplary practice, co-funded by the Municipality of Faenza and the Emilia-Romagna Region. It employs various incentives, including reimbursements for distances cycled, competitive leaderboards, and reward systems, all facilitated through a specialized app.

So far, participants have collectively cycled a distance equivalent to 15 times around the Earth! The top performers are recognized by the local government during a public ceremony.

#4- Hannut (BE)

Ride and Buy is a unique app designed to promote sustainable urban transportation. It encourages students to bike to school with their parents and provides trials and discounts on electric bicycles. Additionally, it offers vouchers redeemable at local shops based on the distance traveled by bike.

This initiative was born from the creativity of local youth and brought to life with the collaboration of city and regional authorities, highlighting a truly community-driven effort.

What can your city learn from the above initiatives?

Addressing specific needs necessitates a thorough comprehension of individual motivations and the benefits they seek. Collaborating with key stakeholders has been essential in enhancing mobility solutions by aligning them with relevant strategic frameworks. This approach has helped ensure that initiatives endure beyond political terms. These efforts have already sparked adaptations that engage local businesses, schools, and even neighboring municipalities.

On-demand rural mobility solutions

Delivering traditional public transport can be quite challenging in sparsely populated regions. Many rural areas in Europe struggle to connect scattered communities with effective mobility solutions and resources. Two recently recognized URBACT Good Practices are addressing this issue by promoting on-demand mobility services.

#5 – Viseu Dão Lafões (PT)

Ir e Vir enables residents across 13 municipalities to request rides via a free phone line. This taxi-operated service is available on demand, specifically for prearranged stops according to a set schedule, and only when no public transport options are available. It offers accessibility at bus-equivalent fares while optimizing routes based on reservations made a day in advance.

#6 – Coimbra (PT)

SIT FLEXI provides a comparable service for its residents, also operated by taxis and available only by reservation. This solution even incorporates interoperability with other mobility services. The planning of routes, stops, and timetables is developed collaboratively, taking into account the needs and preferences of residents and the municipalities involved.

What can your city learn from these two initiatives?

These schemes are tailored for rural on-demand services, showcasing how cities can benefit from utilizing existing taxi networks and transportation options. Public authorities have effectively reduced operational costs and minimized environmental impact compared to traditional public transport systems.

Crucially, these solutions help maintain vital connections within a larger urban-rural network. In essence, they not only improve quality of life and foster social cohesion but also enhance access to essential services like healthcare, education, and job opportunities. Such initiatives can even entice former city dwellers to return.

While implementing app-based booking systems, it’s essential to retain a phone-based option to accommodate users with limited digital skills.

Integrated mobility strategies

Creating, adapting, and sustaining accessible mobility solutions for everyone is a challenging task. Addressing the diverse and evolving needs of the community presents logistical challenges and reveals the limitations of current infrastructure in developing a truly inclusive urban environment. Disjointed mobility solutions risk neglecting specific needs or discouraging the adoption of more sustainable alternatives.

#7 – Brussels (BE)

Through the URBACT Good Practice cAIRgo Bike initiative, Brussels encourages the use of cargo bikes to improve urban air quality. This initiative includes subsidies for cargo bike purchases, shared bike systems, and designated parking facilities.

In addition to enhancing physical infrastructure, the program offers training for families and professionals to ensure safe and effective usage. It also collaborates with local NGOs and private enterprises, aligning with city and regional policies, and has successfully addressed issues of traffic congestion and pollution.

#8 – Komotini (GR)

In Komotini, the Accessible City for All initiative has transformed the perception of individuals with disabilities. Instead of being seen merely as a group in need of assistance, they are now valued partners in shaping the city’s identity.

This initiative, co-funded by the local government and implemented by a community NGO, allows individuals with disabilities to engage in advisory boards and steering committees, and in some cases, to lead and manage various activities. The city is also creating environments that facilitate the rehabilitation of disabled individuals, encouraging them to come to Komotini. This effort has not only improved urban infrastructure for all residents but has also led to the development of social initiatives, including a community center, a halfway house, and an activity center run by and for individuals with disabilities, along with after-school programs for children with intellectual disabilities.

What can your city learn from these two initiatives?

Both Komotini and Brussels showcase effective mobility plans that have achieved remarkable results. While Brussels capitalizes on the unique benefits of cargo bikes, Komotini provides an urban setting that not only supports but also empowers a potentially overlooked demographic.

These strategies can motivate other communities to advocate for similar transformative changes in their own cities.