As the sun rises, you opt to walk to work, embracing the city's morning calm. Along the way, a quick stop at a local coffee shop for a caffeine fix, and a moment to admire artwork by a local artist, enriches your morning stroll.
By the time you reach work, you're not just refreshed but also two-thirds closer to your daily fitness goal, thanks to your fitness tracker's cheerful update.
This wasn't just a commute; it was a journey that connected you to your city, your community, and your own well-being, where active mobility seamlessly integrates into daily life.
The latest Active Cities podcast episode delves into the 15-minute city concept with Professor Carlos Moreno, who champions creating urban environments where essentials are accessible within 15 minutes by foot or bike. Moreno outlines the dual concept of the 30-minute territory for lower-density areas, aiming for sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive cities. This aligns with the Active Cities project's mission to prioritize human-centric mobility and urban planning, highlighting a collective movement towards reshaping our urban landscapes for better living conditions, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion.
Carlos Moreno, a senior university professor, is recognised internationally for his pioneering work on the 15-minute city concept. His work focuses on reimagining urban spaces to promote a lifestyle where essential services and amenities, such as work, shopping, education, and leisure, are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. This concept aims to create more livable, sustainable, and inclusive cities by reducing reliance on cars, decreasing carbon emissions, and fostering local economies and communities
During the interview, Professor Moreno elaborates on the 15-minute city and its complementary, the 30-minute territory, explaining their roles in crafting a new urban living paradigm. He outlines the three core challenges the concept aims to address: combating climate change through lifestyle changes, fostering a vibrant local economy with short supply chains, and creating inclusive urban environments to fight social exclusion.
Moreno stresses the importance of reimagining mobility within cities. He argues for a shift in perspective, from viewing long commutes and car dependency as norms to embracing accessible, decarbonised modes of transport like walking and biking. This transition is crucial for enhancing urban health, reducing obesity, and improving overall quality of life through increased physical activity.
A significant part of the discussion revolves around the role of public spaces in fostering community bonds and supporting local economies. Moreno criticises the predominant use of these spaces for car parking and, using Paris as an example, advocates for their reclamation for social interactions, cultural activities, and economic opportunities. He emphasises the need for a paradigm shift that places humans and communities at the center of urban planning.
The conversation with Carlos Moreno on the Active Cities podcast not only highlights the challenges cities face but also the innovative solutions that can lead to more livable, healthy, and vibrant urban environments.