Supporting cities’ climate agendas through sustainable mobility initiatives

As the global climate community converges for COP28, the urgency to reshape urban landscapes into havens of sustainability intensifies. The vision of a just, climate-resilient, and beautiful future becomes a beacon guiding cities through the complexities of the ‘messy middle.’

EIT Climate-KIC is at the forefront of this endeavour, translating climate goals into practical, scalable projects that can be integrated into the daily fabric of urban life. These demonstrations showcase what is possible when cycles of innovation and learning are intentionally designed to trigger exponential decarbonisation and build resilient communities.

Our commitment to radical collaboration and a systems approach is evident in the success stories emerging from cities like Hackney (UK), Olot (Spain), and Karasu (Turkey) and Espoo (Finland). Drawing from the Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge, we explore these four exemplary initiatives that highlight the pivotal role of sustainable mobility in the journey towards carbon neutrality.

Hackney: A fair transition to sustainable transport

In Hackney, the local council’s commitment to tackling climate change is embodied in its Climate Action Plan. Transport takes center stage as one of the five key themes, with a mission to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and promote active and healthy lifestyles by implementing a cargo bike pilot scheme. Ali Howes, Senior Transport Planner at the Zero Emissions Network (ZEN), emphasises the importance of a fair transition, addressing inequalities and fostering benefits for all residents. She notes, “The Plan recognises that there’s a need to make this transition a fair one – reducing inequalities and creating benefits for all residents – by improving air quality and better mental health for people who live in the borough.” 

Read more about Hackney’s sustainable mobility initiative here 

Small businesses utilise the cargo bike scheme in HAckney.

Olot: Restructuring mobility for a greener future

Isaac Crivillés i García, Councillor for Energy Transition, Public Health and Mobility at Olot City Council, sheds light on his commitment to restructuring mobility. As part of a comprehensive plan, Olot is constructing a network of secure parking areas for bicycles and e-scooters across the city. The goal is to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation, shifting the focus from motor vehicles to bicycles and e-scooters. He shares, “The basic goal is to promote an increase in bicycle and scooter trips and reduce motor vehicle use, which aligns with our goals for the next 10 to 20 years, looking towards the 2030 and 2050 horizons.”

Read more about Olot’s sustainable mobility initiative here 

An example of safe, long-term bike storage in high-demand areas.

 Karasu: Reducing congestion through green corridors

Abdulkadir Özden, Assistant Professor at the Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, is helping address the problem of congestion in the popular holiday destination of Karasu, Turkey. By implementing green corridors that enhance walkability and introducing micro-mobility alternatives and expanded public transit services, the city of Karasu aims to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. He believes, “If we plan properly, the municipalities can offer better sustainable transportation options and we’ll be able to reduce the congestion.”  

Read more about Karasu’s sustainable mobility initiative here 

Dedicated bike lanes in Karasu connecting the city centre to the sea.

Espoo: A story of community and carbon neutrality

In Espoo, Finland, more women and girls are learning how to cycle as part of the city’s larger decarbonisation strategy known as the “Espoo Story,” which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Veli-Pekka Korhonen, Sustainable Mobility Specialist at the City of Espoo, is leading this initiative that promotes social inclusion and gender equality. He states, “It highlights the positive impact such initiatives can have on peoples’ lives, fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the well-being of our community.”

Read more about Espoo’s sustainable mobility initiative here 

In collaboration with the Helsinki Region Cyclists, the City of Espoo organised cycling courses in five different locations from June to August 2023.

Mobilising cities for sustainable transformation

EIT Climate-KIC will be at COP28 in Dubai, UAE from 30 November to 6 December to talk about how we support city, regional and national leaders to bridge the gap between climate goals commitments and current reality. Join our COP28 side events (online and on-site) and learn more about our COP28 ambitions.

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