From Cars to Sustainable Transport: 10 Cities Leading the Way

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Cities around the world are grappling with the challenges of urbanization, including traffic congestion, pollution, and the health and economic impacts of car-centric transportation. However, some cities are making significant strides in transitioning away from cars and towards more sustainable transportation options. In this article, we'll take a closer look at 10 cities leading the way in the transition away from cars!

Venice, Italy

This one is particularly close to our hearts at Illuminem, even if it feels like a bit of a cheat as the city was designed to be car-free. Venice's narrow streets and canals have made cars impractical, forcing residents and visitors to rely on water buses, taxis, and walking to get around. In recent years, the city has implemented measures to further reduce boat traffic, such as limiting the number of cruise ships allowed to dock in the city. Venice's unique transportation system not only preserves the city's historical character but also serves as an inspiration for other cities seeking to reduce car usage.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is renowned for its bike-friendly infrastructure and culture. The city has over 390 km of bike lanes and more bikes than cars on its streets. The popular "Green Wave" cycling route allows riders to pass through the city without stopping at a single traffic light. Some of the most iconic bike-friendly areas in Copenhagen include the streets of Nørrebrogade and Vesterbrogade, the neighborhood of Christianshavn, and the famous Little Mermaid statue, which can be reached by bike paths along the waterfront. Copenhagen continues to invest in bike infrastructure and aims to become carbon-neutral by 2025.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is another city known for its bike culture and infrastructure. The city has over 500 km of bike paths, making it easy to get around on two wheels. The historic city center is largely car-free, with bikes and pedestrians sharing the streets. Some of the most popular bike-friendly areas in Amsterdam include the Jordaan neighborhood, the Vondelpark, and the scenic waterfront cycle path along the IJ river. Amsterdam also has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and a metro system. The city aims to reduce car usage and become carbon neutral by 2030.

Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg is a city that has been committed to sustainable transportation and urban planning since the 1970s. The city has invested heavily in public transportation, including an extensive tram network and a bike-sharing system. Freiburg is also known for its pedestrian-friendly streets and car-free zones, such as the historic city center and the neighborhood of Vauban. The city has implemented measures to reduce car usage, including a car-free day and a low-emissions zone.

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent has implemented a plan to become car-free in the city center. The city has invested in bike infrastructure, including a bike-sharing system, and pedestrian-friendly streets. Some of the most bike-friendly areas in Ghent include the historic city center, the Korenmarkt, and the Graslei waterfront. Ghent's public transportation system includes buses and trams, and the city aims to continue reducing car usage and promoting sustainable transportation options..

Portland, USA

Portland is committed to Net-Zero by 2050. The city has a reputation as a leader in sustainable transportation and urban planning. Popular bike-friendly areas in Portland include the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Springwater Corridor Trail, and the North Williams Avenue bike lane. In addition to biking, Portland also has an efficient public transportation network, including buses, a streetcar system, and light rail.

Pontevedra, Spain

Pontevedra is a small city that has made significant progress in reducing car usage and promoting sustainable transportation options. In 1999, the city implemented a plan to pedestrianize the city center, with only local residents and authorized vehicles allowed in the area. The city has also invested in bike infrastructure, including bike lanes and parking facilities, and has a bike-sharing system.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo has implemented several initiatives to promote sustainable transportation, including a car-free city center, low-emissions zones, and increased tolls on cars entering the city center. The city has also invested heavily in public transportation, with an extensive tram and bus network and six metro lines. Oslo plans to become a carbon-neutral city by 2030, with a focus on increasing the use of electric vehicles, improving public transportation infrastructure, and expanding the network of bike lanes and paths.

Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg aims to reduce car trips by 30% by 2030 and increase the number of trips taken by bike to 25%. The city is investing in bike infrastructure, including bike lanes and parking facilities, and has implemented car-free zones in the city center. Nuremberg also has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro system.

Tokyo, Japan

Despite being known for its crowded streets, Tokyo has made significant progress in reducing car usage and promoting sustainable transportation options. The city has invested heavily in public transportation, including an extensive subway system and a new rapid transit line. Tokyo has also implemented bike-sharing programs, bike parking facilities, and pedestrian-friendly streets. The city has set a goal of reducing car usage by 25% by 2030, with a focus on promoting walking, biking, and public transportation

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