Essay visions of the city; urban development abroad
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Course
Visies op de stad (MANBCU102)
Institution
Radboud Universiteit Nijmegen (RU)
This assignment accounts for 60% of the final grade in the course “visions of the city”. The assignment was to describe urban development abroad. I opted for sustainable mobility in Strasbourg. For this, I got an 8.5.
Road to Sustainable Mobility: A Strasbourg Perspective
Introduction
limate change remains a pressing issue that is forcing cities worldwide to take action. The
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emphasis on sustainable development has increased greatly, especially in urban areas, in
response to this urgent need. Within this spectrum of sustainable development, sustainable
mobility plays a crucial role. It is essential to examine how cities such as Strasbourg are
integrating sustainable mobility and why this is so important.
ustainable mobility includes the use of modes of transportation that are less harmful to the
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environment, such as biking, walking, public transportation and electric vehicles.
Implementing policies and regulations for sustainable mobility includes creating
environmental zones and subsidizing electric vehicles, along with promoting the use of
public transportation. These measures are designed to encourage people to choose
environmentally friendly modes of transportation to reduce air pollution and greenhouse
gases in urban areas (Miller, P., de Barros, A.G., Kattan, L. et al, 2016).
With all the concerns about climate change, cities around the world need to embrace
sustainable mobility solutions as an important part of their urban development plans.
Therefore, the question that will be central is: What are the mobility developments in
Strasbourg in terms of sustainability and how are they being integrated?
here will be a focus on exploring different aspects of sustainable mobility, looking at the
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impact of these mobility solutions on urban environments. Moreover, we will use different
views and theories of thinkers for this purpose. What are the developments? How is it
applied in practice? Why is this topic so important at this time? To what extent do the
theories found correspond to the empirical findings in Strasbourg?
Significance of sustainable mobility
cknowledging that transportation has a range of negative impacts, specific attention to
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environmental, economic and social issues must be included in a definition of sustainable
transportation and its application to decision-making (Bongardt et al., 2011).
he concept of sustainable mobility is closely aligned with Brundtland's vision of sustainable
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development, which states that development should meet the needs of the present without
compromising the capabilities of future generations (World
Commission on Environment and Development, 1987).
Inspiring definitions include those written by Black (2010). Black suggests that a sustainable
transportation system is one that applies the Brundtland definition, or simply says,
"transportation that meets the present mobility and transportation needs without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet those needs."
, egative impacts include: environmental (increased pollution), loss of economic productivity
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and social impacts (effects on human health and equity) (Miller, P., de Barros, A.G., Kattan,
L. et al, 2016). See Table 1 drawn by Litman and Burwell (2006) for the effects of
transportation.
Views/theories thinkers
" Buchanan, warned of the potential damage that growth in car ownership and car use could
do with further urban growth" (Meurs, & Stelling, 2015). His insights highlight the importance
of an integrated approach to sustainable mobility, combining various measures to improve
air quality and reduce the impact of traffic on the environment. Measures he identifies are
aimed at improving air quality and focus on cleaner fuels, more fuel-efficient vehicles,
efficient vehicle use, and changes in the extent of car use in cities. Environmental zoning
implies that there is a maximum amount of traffic the city can accommodate.
ustainable mobility has emerged as a response to growing concerns about climate change,
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air pollution and traffic congestion, which have a direct impact on urban areas worldwide.
The development of sustainable mobility is driven by the desire to improve the quality of life
in cities, combining economic, environmental and social aspects.
A fundamental concept that fits with sustainability on transportation is the triple bottom line,
or the 3 Ps. The 3 Ps: people, planet and prosperity provide a healthy relationship between
economic progress, quality of life and ecological carrying capacity (Carton, & van de Laak, &
Wiering 2015).
efebvre adds a sociological dimension by emphasizing that sustainable mobility is not only
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a technical issue but also a socio-political one (Lefebvre, 1996). Whereas Buchanan warns
of the potential damage of unbridled urban growth, Lefebvre places the development of
sustainable mobility within the broader context of social justice and equity. While Buchanan
focuses on environmental standards and traffic management, Lefebvre emphasizes
participation, empowerment and inclusiveness in the development of mobility solutions.
Where Brundtland defines sustainable development as meeting the needs of the present
without compromising the opportunities of future generations, Lefebvre adds a dimension by
emphasizing that sustainable mobility must also strive for social justice and equity.
efebvre's vision of sustainable mobility offers a critical perspective that allows cities to
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pursue a more inclusive and democratic approach to mobility. His focus on participation and
social justice calls for a rethinking of traditional approaches to urban planning and
development that focus on the needs and interests of all residents (Kramers, 2023) .
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