Neighbourhood accessibility planning

The concept aims at improving local conditions for walking and cycling as well as safe access to local facilities (e.g. schools, shops) and public transport services. Also new mobility forms as inline skating and local demands towards the public transport network may be considered.

The process should involve consulting with the community and identify in a participatory process main issues to be addressed. Based on the results a list of actions is drafted. This can include for example measures on engineering, education, marketing, encouragement, enforcement, environmental and policy initiatives.

Usually local authorities have a key role as initiator and actor in the planning process. Often they are supported by consultants or NGOs to organize and moderate the process. Citizen associations, but also a wide range of individual citizens need to be involved, taking into account also the special needs of more vulnerable groups such as the disabled, older people or children.

The concept can not only help to enhance the accessibility of the immediate urban environment of many citizens, it can also contribute to a better quality of public space and create opportunities for better social interaction of people. This can also help to reduce car use on short trips.

Inspiring examples are:

	Stadviertelskonzept Narhmobilitaet in Munich, Germany (fact sheet) (case study) (Presentation Paul Bickelbacher refurbished roads) (Presentation Kerstin Langer public involvement) (Presentation M. Groetsch parking management)
	Attractive public space for walking and cycling in Donostia - San Sebastian, Spain (fact sheet) (case study)
	Langsamverkehr planning concepts, Switzerland (fact sheet) (case study)
	Gothenburg, Sweden, Universal design of streets and public transport stops (Presentation of Roland Ahlgren)
	London, UK, (the walking plan, walking publications, walking as a means to get around)

Click here for a 2 page document with key facts and good practice about this innovative concept.

Click here for the full guidelines for implementers of this innovative concept (16 pages).

The cities of Burgos and Artois-Gohelle visited Munich to learn about their accessibility planning activities.