How can you ensure safe and sustainable transportation in your city?

Transportation is a vital aspect of any city, affecting the quality of life, economic development, and environmental sustainability. However, many cities face challenges such as congestion, pollution, accidents, and inequity in accessing mobility options. How can you ensure safe and sustainable transportation in your city? Here are some tips and best practices to consider.

1 Assess your current situation

The first step is to understand the current state of your transportation system, its strengths and weaknesses, and its impact on your city's goals and vision. You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, audits, indicators, benchmarks, and GIS mapping. You should also engage with different stakeholders, such as residents, businesses, transport operators, and civil society groups, to understand their needs, preferences, and challenges.

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Dr. Uneb Gazder

PhD (Transportation), Fellow (FHEA)
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There are certain basic elements of a safe and sustainable transportation network. They include the following: - Encouragement of walking and cycling by providing safe and accessible facilities. - Provision of safe, efficient, and affordable public transportation which is sufficient to fulfill the demand of travelers. - Discouragement of car ownership and usage through effective policies related to parking, registration of vehicles, and licensing. - Effective land use planning to ensure the accessibility of basic facilities, which will reduce the number of trips and also encourage walking and cycling. - Increasing awareness of road users related to road safety, environmental sustainability, and transportation laws.

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2 Define your objectives and strategies

Based on your assessment, you can define your objectives and strategies for improving your transportation system. You should align them with your city's overall vision and priorities, as well as with the principles of sustainable transportation, such as accessibility, affordability, efficiency, safety, and environmental friendliness. You should also consider the trade-offs and synergies among different modes and policies, and how they can complement each other.

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3 Implement and monitor your actions

Once you have your objectives and strategies, you need to plan and execute your actions. You should consider the financial, technical, institutional, and social aspects of each action, and how they can be integrated and coordinated. You should also monitor and evaluate the results and impacts of your actions, using appropriate indicators and feedback mechanisms. You should be ready to adapt and improve your actions based on the evidence and learning.

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4 Promote awareness and participation

A key factor for ensuring safe and sustainable transportation is to raise awareness and participation among your city's population. You should communicate the benefits and challenges of your actions, and how they can contribute to your city's goals and vision. You should also provide opportunities for people to participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of your actions, and to voice their opinions and suggestions. You should also foster a culture of cooperation and collaboration among different actors and sectors.

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5 Learn from others and share your experience

Another way to ensure safe and sustainable transportation is to learn from others and share your experience. You can join networks and platforms that connect you with other cities and experts who are working on similar issues and challenges. You can also access resources and tools that can help you improve your knowledge and skills. You can also showcase your achievements and challenges, and exchange lessons and best practices with others.

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6 Innovate and experiment

Finally, you can ensure safe and sustainable transportation by innovating and experimenting. You can explore new technologies and solutions that can enhance your transportation system, such as smart mobility, electric vehicles, or bike-sharing. You can also test and pilot new ideas and approaches that can address your specific needs and contexts, such as demand-responsive transport, low-emission zones, or road pricing. You should be open to learning from your failures and successes, and scaling up what works.

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Christopher Marco

GVSU MPA Alumnus | Experienced policy professional specializing in community development, economics, and urban planning.
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Recent programs in London, UK highlight the role of innovation and experimentation in ensuring sustainable transportation. First, the Greater London Authority has committed to transform its famous fleet of double-decker buses (~9,200 total) to completely zero-emission vehicles by 2037. Second, the municipal government has expanded electric vehicle infrastructure through the installation of rapid charge points throughout the city and outer boroughs. Finally, and arguably most significantly, London has studied and instituted a revolutionary ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) around the entire perimeter of the city. Scientists have found the program has led to an almost 50% reduction of toxic nitrogen dioxide pollution in central London.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure safe and sustainable transportation in your city?

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1 Assess your current situation

2 Define your objectives and strategies

3 Implement and monitor your actions

4 Promote awareness and participation

5 Learn from others and share your experience

6 Innovate and experiment

7 Here’s what else to consider

Public Administration

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