From Concept to Reality: The Role of Micromobility in Enabling the 15-Minute City Vision

Dear Colleagues,

The 15-minute city concept has gained significant traction in urban planning circles as a promising framework for creating more sustainable, livable and accessible urban environments. This visionary concept proposes neighborhoods where residents can fulfill their daily needs, including work, education, healthcare and recreation, typically within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. Micromobility, characterized by lightweight and efficient transportation modes such as electric scooters, bicycles and e-bikes, emerges as a critical enabler in turning this ambitious urban vision into reality.

This Special Issue aims to examine the transformative potential of micromobility in actualizing the principles of the 15-minute city. Through a multidisciplinary lens, this Special Issue seeks to explore theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, policy analyses, technological innovations and practical applications that shed light on the intersection of micromobility and the 15-minute city concept.

Theoretical foundations and conceptual frameworks underpinning the integration of micromobility within the 15-minute city paradigm will be examined. This includes discussions on how micromobility can contribute to reducing travel times, enhancing accessibility and promoting active transportation, thereby fostering more sustainable and resilient urban communities.

Policy and governance strategies for fostering the adoption of micromobility solutions and promoting sustainable urban transportation within 15-minute neighborhoods will be explored. This entails examining regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms and incentives aimed at incentivizing the use of micromobility modes while addressing concerns related to safety, equity and interoperability.

Technological innovations and advancements in micromobility infrastructure, vehicles and sharing systems will be highlighted. This includes discussions on how emerging technologies such as electric propulsion, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and smart mobility platforms can enhance the usability, safety and efficiency of micromobility solutions in urban environments.

Environmental impacts and benefits of micromobility adoption will be assessed, including reductions in carbon emissions, air pollution and traffic congestion. Equity considerations in the provision of micromobility services will also be addressed, ensuring inclusive access for diverse socio-economic groups and marginalized communities.

Urban design and planning approaches that facilitate the integration of micromobility infrastructure and support the creation of pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly environments will be explored. This includes discussions on streetscape redesign, parking management and land-use planning strategies aimed at prioritizing micromobility and active transportation modes.

Behavioral insights and user preferences related to micromobility usage patterns, travel behavior and mode choice within the context of the 15-minute city will be analyzed. Case studies and best practices illustrating successful implementations of micromobility initiatives in advancing the 15-minute city vision across different urban contexts will also be presented.

By synthesizing interdisciplinary research and practical insights, this Special Issue aims to deepen our understanding of micromobility's pivotal role in translating the 15-minute city concept from abstraction to reality. Contributions to this issue will provide valuable guidance for policymakers, urban planners, researchers and practitioners seeking to create more sustainable, livable and equitable urban environments.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Paraskevas Nikolaou
Prof. Dr. Socrates Basbas
Dr. Byron Ioannou
Guest Editors

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• 15-minute city
• micromobility
• electric bikes
• shared mobility systems
• sustainable mobility
• urban development
• policymaking for promoting sustainable mobility
• sprawl cities
• inclusive spaces