Urban Move

Citizens of Europe need to move around – to be mobile – to live their daily lives. Going to work, shopping for groceries, working out at the gym, supplying goods and products, removing waste products – all of this requires moving from point A to point B. Countless movements are done every day, putting pressure on cities, citizens and the environment and influencing the way we structure urban areas.

For motorised transport in Europe, motor traffic accounts for an average of 80% of passenger-kilometres travelled. The remaining 20% is travelled by public transport. The largest share of public transport passenger-kilometres in Europe is carried out by buses.

Urban Insight illuminates various aspects of mobility and accessibility to enhance our understanding of different social and physical structures. We explore how citizens view and use urban areas and how local circumstances can be improved to create more liveable, sustainable and mobile cities and communities.

Did you know..? Approximately 212,000 electric cars were sold in Europe in 2016. Norway was the country with the most sales (with chargeable cars representing around 35% of new car sales), followed by the UK and France.

Copenhagen residents own 5.6 more bicycles than cars. In 2016 there were 675,000 bicycles in the city, as compared with 120,000 cars.

In 2001, 40% of Parisians did not own a car. In 2015 the corresponding figure was 60%.

People in Stockholm walk an average of 1 km per day. The corresponding distance in Brussels is 2.2 km.

The five most cycle-friendly cities in the world are located in Europe: Copenhagen (DK), Utrecht (NL), Amsterdam (NL), Strasbourg (FR) and Malmö (SE).

Transport revolution – the future of accessible public transport in urban areas

The report Transport revolution – the future of accessible public transport in urban areas investigates how we can make public transport accessible and useful for everyone by applying modern mobility solutions

From threat to opportunity – revaluating storm water management in urban areas

The report From threat to opportunity – revaluating storm water management in urban areas investigates how sustainable storm water management can contribute to the creation of livable cities.

Urban Space for People on the Move – The Living City

The report Urban Space for People on the Move – The Living City investigates how holistic city planning can be used to promote sustainable modes of travel, facilitate interactions and improve quality of life in urban areas.

Wholesome Air, Serene Cities - Reduced Noise and Air Pollution in Urban Areas

By Kenneth Lillelund, et al.

The report Wholesome Air, Serene Cities – Reduced Noise and Air Pollution in Urban Areas addresses the relationship between the sources and levels of air and noise pollution in European cities. It provides recommendations that can make a perceptible difference to urban citizens and improve quality of life in urban areas.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Analysing the Impact of E-commerce on Urban Areas

By Robert Sommar, et al.

E-commerce changes our shopping habits – but also influences logistics, city planning and properties. The impact will become more and more apparent as volumes continue to increase. The report Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Analysing the Impact of E-commerce on Urban Areas highlights the challenges arising from the increase of e-commerce in Europe.

Urban Mobility on a Human Scale - Promoting and Facilitating Active Travel in Cities

By Jeroen Quee et al.

The potential of bicycle and pedestrian travel in cities has been underestimated in past decades, resulting in deterioration of facilities and infrastructure. We are now seeing a revival of these active modes of transportation as more people recognise the health and environmental benefits. The report "Urban Mobility on a Human Scale – Promoting and Facilitating Active Travel in Cities" discusses ways in which walking and cycling can be further promoted and facilitated in our cities.

E-magine a Journey through Europe - Energy Infrastructure for Sustainable Mobility

By Tim van den Maagdenberg

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with more people looking for alternatives to petrol and diesel cars. However, fuel range anxiety and fear of congested charger points when travelling has had a dampening effect on growth. Is it possible to take a road trip across Europe in an electric car today? We put this to the test!

Running to stand still – the role of travel time in transport planning

By Author David Lindelöw

The report "Running to stand still – the role of travel time in transport planning" explores the concept of the travel time budget and its implications for urban planning.

Redefining Bridges and Tunnels for the next generation of our cities

By Author Guro Ranum et al.

We explore the potential of new and existing tunnels and bridges to reduce barriers and provide urban spaces and functions that improve quality of life in Europe.