This online Local Dialogue addresses the challenge of making urban transport more inclusive by focusing on the people who use the transport system and their everyday needs. Organised by the University of Zilina, in collaboration with the regional innovation agency INOVIA and LAUREA, another member of the PIONEER Alliance, the event explores the social and behavioural aspects of mobility that are often overlooked in transport planning. Aligned with the motto “Strong regions, strong Europe”, the event explores how local and regional solutions can reduce transport disadvantages and improve accessibility, particularly for vulnerable groups. More than half of the event will be dedicated to a lively, open exchange with the audience. Participants are invited to share their views and ideas on people-centred mobility, including safety, reliability and inclusion. No specific expertise is required - everyone’s perspective is welcome. The first part brings together research, regional innovation and political representatives. The second part opens the discussion to students, citizens, speakers and other stakeholders, bringing together diverse local, regional and European perspectives. The exchange will help connect research with regional needs and policies and ensure that mobility solutions reflect people’s everyday experiences.
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- Local and regional | Mobility and Transport | Social inclusion and Equality | Sustainable | Urban | Youth and citizens engagement
- Code: Side264427
- Online Session
Practical information
- When
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Tue 20/10/2026, 14:00 - 15:30 CET
- Where
- Online Session
- Type of partnership
- EURegionsWeek close to you
- Format
- Side
- Theme
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Strong regions, strong Europe
- Language
- English
Reporting
Session summary
The event highlighted the importance of moving beyond infrastructure-focused approaches to urban mobility by placing people, particularly children and families, at the centre of transport planning. Drawing on experiences from Trnava and Bratislava, as well as regional innovation perspectives and audience discussions, several key messages emerged:
1. People-centred mobility requires more than infrastructure improvements. Sustainable mobility transitions must consider social, behavioural, environmental and governance dimensions, recognising that transport decisions are closely connected to people's everyday lives, needs and values.
2. Safe and inclusive school environments can encourage active mobility. The case studies from Trnava and Bratislava demonstrated how reducing traffic, improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and redesigning public spaces can increase walking and cycling while improving perceived safety.
3. Children and local communities should actively shape mobility solutions. Participatory approaches, including surveys, workshops, mapping exercises and temporary street interventions, help identify needs that conventional transport planning may overlook. Children's perspectives are particularly valuable in designing safer and more attractive school environments.
4. Evidence-based planning and experimentation support effective interventions. Combining quantitative data, such as traffic volumes and speeds, with qualitative insights from residents helps cities design, test and evaluate solutions before implementing permanent changes.
5. Collaboration and trust are essential for successful mobility transitions. Early and continuous engagement among citizens, public authorities, schools, researchers and other stakeholders can help address conflicting interests, build trust and increase public acceptance. Independent facilitators and regional innovation organisations can play an important role in connecting stakeholders.
6. Implementation barriers extend beyond technical challenges. Resistance to changes in parking and car access, limited financial and institutional capacity, bureaucracy and political hesitation can delay progress. Addressing these barriers requires coordinated action, sustained political commitment and meaningful community involvement.
7. Mobility solutions must balance different needs and priorities. The Helsinki example illustrated how public transport improvements can create tensions with environmental protection and residents' attachment to green spaces, highlighting the need for holistic planning and inclusive decision-making.
Creating sustainable and inclusive mobility systems is not simply about redesigning streets or introducing new transport infrastructure. It requires rethinking how urban spaces are planned, governed and experienced, with communities actively involved in shaping solutions that respond to their needs.
Quotes
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“Changing behaviour is often more difficult than changing infrastructure.”
“What started as a school safety project evolved into an improvement of the whole neighbourhood.”
“The goal was to create a more balanced street network, rather than one that focuses only on cars.”
“Schools themselves know their problems best.”
“Quantitative data alone are not really helpful.”
“In many cases, the proven good practice is to have an independent body to lead the change.”
“The co-creation approach provides time, space and methods for exchanging perspectives, generating mutual understanding, and developing empathy and trust.”
