Let's think of this short text as a high-speed train journey that takes us between stops of observation and learning. We went in search of dimension. Learning gives you dimension and to gain dimension you have to take risks without losing yourself, let go of what has lost its meaning in the present and take action. We left Italy, passed through central Europe and continued our journey through Spain, with a final stop in Lisbon.
This article is by Manuel Banza and Bernardo Fernandes.
Ticket in hand, we board the carriage and begin our journey with the first stop in southern Europe, in the city of Bologna, Italy. With the aim of creating a safer, more liveable city and promoting the use of public transport and bicycles, the municipality implemented the Bologna città 30 initiative in July 2023. This measure introduced speed limits on most urban roads. The public questionnaire, answered by more than 19,000 inhabitants, revealed that almost 80% would be willing to change their daily habits in exchange for two simple solutions: an improved public transport offer and greater road safety, while also mentioning the need to expand cycle paths and increase initiatives of this kind. In order to give residents time to adapt to the changes implemented in their routines, and not to exceed the 30 km/h speed limit, the City Council clarified that sanctions for non-compliance would only be applied from January this year.
We left Bologna and got off in Amsterdam, another city that introduced a 30 km/h speed limit on 80% of its roads in December 2023. This new limit aims to improve road safety and reduce noise pollution. With this measure, the city expects positive results in terms of public health, through a 20-30% reduction in serious accidents.
