Active Mobility and Green Infrastructure: A Transformative Partnership for Urban Resilience

With mounting urban challenges such as climate change, pollution, and sedentary lifestyles, cities worldwide are rethinking their design. Two concepts are at the forefront of this transformation: active mobility and green infrastructure. Active mobility prioritizes modes of transportation like walking, cycling, and using micro-mobility solutions (e-scooters, e-bikes), while green infrastructure strategically integrates natural elements into the urban fabric.

Remarkably, when active mobility and green infrastructure are coupled, the impacts become amplified, offering a powerful solution to create more livable, sustainable, and equitable cities.

The Interplay of Active Mobility and Green Infrastructure

• Environmental Benefits: Green infrastructure, consisting of parks, urban forests, green roofs, and bioswales, is pivotal in mitigating climate change. It reduces the urban heat island effect, improves air quality by absorbing pollutants, and manages stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding. When paired with active mobility that encourages walking and cycling, these benefits are enhanced as overall emissions related to transportation are reduced.

• Promoting Health and Well-being: Active mobility is crucial for maintaining physical and mental well-being. Integrating green spaces along active transport routes provides a more pleasant and inviting pedestrian and cycling experience. Research shows that exposure to nature reduces stress, improves mood, and boosts cognitive function, encouraging people to walk or cycle more frequently.
• Fostering Social Cohesion: Green infrastructure, such as parks, gardens, and public plazas, serve as hubs for community interaction. Active mobility networks seamlessly connect people to these spaces, fostering a greater sense of community, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting inclusivity.

Theoretical and Empirical Insights

A growing body of research supports the positive relationship between active mobility and green infrastructure. Here are some key insights:

• The Third Place Concept: Sociologist Ray Oldenburg's "Third Place" theory emphasizes the importance of informal public gathering spaces outside the home (first place) and workplace (second place). When integrated with active mobility routes, green spaces become vibrant third places that strengthen social ties and the sense of belonging within a community.

• Biophilic Urbanism: This design approach recognizes humans' innate connection to nature. By incorporating a network of green spaces interconnected with active mobility routes, cities can create a biophilic environment that significantly improves physical and mental health outcomes.

• Economic Benefits: Studies consistently demonstrate that investing in active mobility and green infrastructure generates positive economic returns. Properties near parks and greenways fetch higher prices, and safe walking and cycling routes encourage visits to local businesses, boosting economic vitality in neighbourhoods and city centres.

Global Examples: Cities Leading the Way

Cities around the world provide best-practice examples of the successful coupling of active mobility and green infrastructure:

• Copenhagen, Denmark: Renowned for its extensive cycling network and abundant green spaces, Copenhagen demonstrates how active mobility can be the dominant mode of transport in a modern city.

• Barcelona, Spain: The city's innovative "Superblocks" concept restricts car traffic in certain areas, freeing up space for pedestrian and cycling paths, play spaces, and urban gardens.

• Singapore: This urban powerhouse features a comprehensive network of "Park Connectors," green corridors that facilitate active mobility, enhance biodiversity, and provide recreational opportunities.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the compelling benefits, implementing integrated active mobility and green infrastructure presents challenges:

• Space Constraints: Dense urban areas face limited space for expanding green infrastructure and active transport routes.
• Funding: Projects can be costly, requiring strong political will and investment.
• Equity Considerations: It's crucial that these investments benefit all communities, addressing potential disparities in access to active mobility options and green spaces.