Made for People, Not Cars: Reclaiming European Cities
a day ago
- #sustainability
- #urban planning
- #pedestrianization
- Pontevedra, Spain, has transformed into a pedestrian-friendly city, prioritizing residents over cars without banning vehicles entirely.
- Under Mayor Miguel Anxo Fernández Lores, policies since 1999 have reclaimed public space, improving air quality and safety.
- The city reduced traffic by 40% by prohibiting transit traffic and diverting it to beltways, allowing only 'necessary traffic'.
- Pontevedra implemented a 30 km/h speed limit city-wide, resulting in no fatal traffic accidents for over a decade.
- The city's urban model encourages walking and cycling, with 70% of trips now made on foot or by bike.
- Pontevedra's success has earned international recognition, including UN and EU awards for sustainable development and road safety.
- The city's approach includes clear communication, participatory processes, and gradual implementation rather than outright bans.
- Other European cities like Freiburg and Oslo have also adopted car-restrictive measures to promote sustainability.
- Local businesses benefit from increased foot traffic, though some report client complaints about parking limitations.
- Mayor Lores emphasizes that each city must adapt Pontevedra's principles to its unique context for similar success.