Green urban mobility, much quieter; it is not a castle in the air!

Regular paper

Henk Wolfert

DCMR EPA

Monday 1 june, 2015, 15:20 - 15:40

0.8 Rome (118)

Abstract:
From the noise mapping rounds, according to the END 2002/49/EC it was found that around 30% of the European population living in urban areas are exposed to noise levels above 55 dB LDEN. Even noise levels above 70 dB occur. This noise burden leads to serious health effects and economic damage in society. The economic damage amounts about € 40 billion, estimated by CE Delft. By the WHO was estimated that around 1.0–1.6 million DALY’s are lost annually in Western-Europe. From the noise action plans submitted by the competent bodies can be concluded that measures are scarce. It is expected that this percentage will increase. This due to the growth in car-ownership, mileage and new infrastructure. Urban population will grow to 80% in 2050, meaning more exposed people. Although numerous measures are available, applicability in urban areas is limited. This means that another way of life and moving is needed. Now is the moment to act. Just by following the mobility law: the mobilist to the city only will travel if the trouble of coming there is less than the comfort of being in the centre. If traffic to the inner city is organized in a different way a better accessible city can be achieved without noise and other pollution. So it will work in two ways: the trip is easy and the centre will be more convenient. Thinking green means that people can walk and cycle in the city, go there by frequent fast public transport and e-bikes and their personal movement is possible with small electric hire cars or taxis. Perhaps people will have to change the way of travelling in going to the centre – but in the end it is easier. Green thinking means a flexible way of thinking. This paper will demonstrate that it works.

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