As we celebrate European Mobility Week 2024, this year’s theme, Shared Public Space, encourages us to reflect on how our cities can better accommodate people, transport modes, and activities. A shared public space offers a multitude of benefits: greater social equity, improved road safety, reduced noise and air pollution, and an overall better quality of life. I recently visited Treviso, a city where sustainable the downtown is a welcoming public space. The historical charm, great quality of pedestrian spaces and vibrant small business invite for a lovely passeggiata!.
While downtown Treviso spans just about 6 km², the surrounding areas also reflect a thoughtful design, with wide sidewalks and traffic-calming measures that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety. The meticulously maintained streets, adorned with balanced materials and regularly swept, provide a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. Some of the new plazas are so neatly maintain that it seems to be at a “patio” in a palace, rather than just a regular city square. Additionally, residents have played an important role lovingly restoring their properties.
While Treviso’s downtown is not entirely car-free, various features such as narrow lanes, well-placed planters, and other elements create a natural calming effect, are certainly very effective, perhaps even more than just a speed limit sign. Zones of limited traffic (Zona a Traffico Limitato) are actively enforced, and pedestrians and cyclists take center stage.
Ultimately, Treviso offers a compelling case for how shared public space can transform a city. Its car-free areas are bustling hubs of economic activity, with thriving small businesses and vibrant public spaces. By prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, Treviso has created an environment that is not only sustainable but also enjoyable for everyone.
The greener, the merrier 