Can a City Be Designed Without Cars and Only Allow Bicycles and Pedestrians?

It is entirely feasible to design a city exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians. By learning from the success of countries like the Netherlands, we can implement similar strategies to create walkable and bike-friendly urban environments. This article explores the Dutch approach and provides insights into how other cities can follow suit.

The Dutch Model: A Successful Example

From bicycles to green spaces, the Netherlands serves as a beacon for urban planners worldwide in terms of creating livable cities. In 2023, the Netherlands ranks 9th on the Global Quality of Life Index, with strong performance in aspects such as cost of living, crime rates, healthcare, commute times, and environmental pollution. This ranking is particularly noteworthy given its robust cycling culture and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Historical and Recent Success

The journey to becoming a bike-friendly nation didn't happen overnight. One of the earliest milestones in this transformation was the Lijnbaan, Rotterdam's first purpose-built pedestrian street, which opened in 1953. This area quickly became a popular destination for both shopping and recreation, thanks to its safety and relaxed atmosphere. The absence of vehicular traffic created an inviting environment, which inspired architects globally to adopt similar designs.

Rotterdam's Pedestrian and Cyclist-Friendly Initiatives

Rotterdam has actively worked towards enhancing its urban landscape to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists. Here are key strategies that have been implemented:

Investing in Bicycle Infrastructure

Extensive investment in bicycle facilities has been a cornerstone of Rotterdam's urban planning. This has included building dedicated bike lanes, installing bike-sharing systems, and improving the overall cycling experience.

Reducing Road Capacity

Road capacity has been reduced to accommodate more pedestrian and bike-friendly space. This not only enhances safety and mobility but also promotes a more sustainable urban environment.

Densifying the City Center

The city has built high-rise buildings and added thousands of new housing units to the city center. To maximize the utility of these terraces, the ground floors of many buildings are filled with cafes, shops, and offices, creating vibrant and accessible public spaces.

Streetscape Enhancements

Rotterdam has widened its streets to provide spacious sidewalks, making it easier and safer for pedestrians to navigate the urban landscape. Additionally, the city has improved accessibility to public transport, such as trams, metros, and waterborne transportation, further reducing the reliance on personal vehicles.

Water Transport Solutions

Rotterdam, being a port city, offers a comprehensive water transport network. Bicycles can be taken on board free of charge during the peak season, making ferry travel a convenient option for cyclists. This integration of water transport with cycling and public transit enhances the city's multi-modal transport system.

Strategies for Other Cities

Other cities seeking to follow Rotterdam’s footsteps can learn from its initiatives. Key considerations include:

High-Quality Public Transport

Public transport must be reliable, frequent, fast, comfortable, and easily accessible. High quality public transport services, such as Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), which runs entirely on wind energy, attract environmentally conscious travelers.

Technological Advancements

Advancements in technology have made it easier for city planners to implement sustainable transport solutions. Mass rapid transport (MRT) trains that do not require dedicated rail lines can be used for both pedestrians and cyclists, promoting a more flexible and efficient urban transport system.

Community Engagement and Strategy Implementation

The success of these initiatives depends on community engagement and the implementation of strategic action plans. Cities like Rotterdam have implemented dedicated roles such as a programme manager and an action plan coordinator to ensure the smooth creation and execution of their walking and cycling strategies.

Conclusion

By learning from the Dutch model and incorporating innovative strategies, cities can design environments that are safe, accessible, and reliant on sustainable transport solutions. The future of urban planning lies in creating cities that prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, fostering a healthier, more sustainable, and livable environment.