New measures will greatly reduce vehicle traffic in the city center as Oslo moves to put pedestrians, cyclists, and air quality before cars.
Oslo wants the city to be more pedestrian friendly and environmentally sustainable, and it is restricting vehicle access to the city center, reports Jonathan Wolfe:
The city designated certain streets for pedestrians or public transit only, restricted the ability of nonresidents to drive through the center, and removed hundreds of parking spots from city streets while creating designated parking spots for disabled citizens and businesses that require a car.
The plan to get rid of cars in the city center started in 2015, and officials overcame resistance from business owners concerned that a full ban on cars would lead to a decrease in customers.
Wolfe notes that other cities are also instituting measures to decrease car traffic, promote zero-emissions zones, and improve cycling and pedestrian access. Madrid and London have car bans in place, and Madrid, Paris, Athens, and Mexico City have pledged to ban diesel cars from their city centers by 2025.
FULL STORY: Oslo Puts Up a Stop Sign
Cities Have Tried to Rein in Cars, and the Results Have Been Mixed
Vehicle pollution is making cities around the world unlivable. Some cities have taken steps to curb auto use and emissions, with varying levels of success.
These Streets Were Made for Walking
Many streets and cities are designed for vehicles instead of for pedestrians. But policies and programs in cities around the world, and even in the United States, might be signaling a shift in priorities.
Car-Free Movement Gaining Steam in Europe and Elsewhere
Athlyn Cathcart-Keays of The Guardian-Cities chronicles the advancement of the international urban car-free movement as well as auto regulations that focus on air pollution. The most recent city to join the growing list is Oslo, Norway
Eugene Ends Parking Minimums
In a move that complies with a state law aimed at reducing transportation emissions, Eugene amended its parking rules to eliminate minimum requirements and set maximum parking lot sizes.
How Paris, Texas Became a ‘Unicorn’ for Rural Transit
A robust coalition of advocates in the town of 25,000 brought together the funding and resources to launch a popular bus service that some residents see as a mobility lifeline—and a social club.
San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’
A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.
DC Launches 24/7 Bus Service
Starting December 17, 14 Metrobus routes will run around the clock to better serve essential workers and visitors.
New York Strengthens Protections for Mobile Home Park Residents
Modular home owners will get the first right of refusal when park owners want to sell residential parks.
Palo Alto Expands Church ‘Safe Parking’ Program
The city is considering adding commercial lots to the program, which provides safe parking and amenities for people living in cars.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Park City Municipal Corporation
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Santa Fe, New Mexico
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
