Walking and cycling are the cleanest and most efficient forms of transport, particularly suited for short to moderate distances. Both provide numerous benefits. They improve health, do not produce air or noise pollution and help to reduce congestion.
Introducing cycling infrastructure (e.g. bike lanes, bike parking and hire schemes) are ways in which cities can promote cycling, while creating pedestrian-friendly spaces can promote commuting, shopping and recreation.
The Romanian capital, Bucharest, plans to open up to pedestrians during weekends. From 29 May, the centre of Bucharest will have seven large pedestrian zones at weekends, which will be largely connected by pedestrian streets. Car access will be restricted in these areas every Saturday and Sunday, between 11.00 and 23.00 from 29 May until 17 October 2021.
Bilbao was one of the finalists of the 9th Award for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP Award), which focused on the theme of ‘zero emission mobility for all’. Amongst the three finalists, which also included the Greater Grenoble Area Mobility Authority (SMMAG) for Grenoble-Alpes’ SUMP (FR) and Belgrade (SRB), Bilbao was selected as a result of its clear focus on road safety and the prioritisation of non-motorised mobility. One essential step towards the implementation of the local SUMP was the decision to reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h in the entire city of Bilbao.
