Speaker
Description
This research examines the implementation and impact of School Streets initiatives across European cities from 1989 to 2024, demonstrating how temporary traffic restrictions around schools are reshaping urban mobility patterns and fostering more livable communities. Through analysis of cases from Europe, this study reveals how School Streets serve as a powerful intervention at the intersection of urban design, public health, and social sustainability.
The research documents various implementation models, from Bolzano's pioneering 1989 program to Brussels' comprehensive 2022 framework, highlighting five key dimensions: temporal vehicular access protocols (typically 15-30 minutes during school start/end times), spatial interventions (school forecourts, street furniture, and green infrastructure), traffic regulations (traffic signs, raised platforms in the roads, parking restrictions, speed reduction), mobility enhancement programs (crossing guard deployment, walking buses, and cycling initiatives) and community engagement (volunteer participation and cross-sector collaboration).
Quantitative and qualitative analyses reveal statistically significant positive outcomes, including substantial reduction in traffic-related incidents (>50% in some cases), improved air quality, increased active mobility among students, and enhanced social cohesion.
This research contributes to contemporary urban discourse by positioning School Streets not merely as traffic management tools, but as transformative interventions that promote child-friendly cities, sustainable mobility, and community resilience. The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and community advocates seeking to create more livable, inclusive urban environments.
| Keywords | School Streets, sustainable mobility, child-friendly cities, active transportation |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | No |
