RENAISSANCE - Testing Innovative Clean Urban Transport Strategies for Historic European Cities
Overview
Background & policy context:
European cities strongly rely on heritage and tourism, which must marry environmental concerns, and sustainable access and mobility, with economic development. The CIVITAS cities face common problems: they are all historic cities with common layouts, and a very valuable heritage to be preserved and enhanced. The partners also face unique local and regional challenges, including those brought about by social and economic integration within the EU. The added value of the RENAISSANCE project was significant as the demonstrated best practices had resonance and relevance throughout the range of European Historic Cities.
CIVITAS RENAISSANCE embraced the motto of 'Testing Innovative Strategies for Clean Urban Transport for historic European cities'. It was a project between five cities that face mobility challenges through seasonal tourism: Perugia (Italy), Bath (UK), Gorna Oryhavitsa (Bulgaria), Szczecinek (Poland), and Skopje (FYR of Macedonia).
Objectives:
RENAISSANCE aimed to develop a valid, reliable and integrated package of access and mobility measures for historic cities. These would enable the rediscovery, preservation and enhancement of historic cities in Europe, together with the sustainable development of local economy, to the benefit of visitors, residents and local business alike. RENAISSANCE brought together a group of historic/tourism cities across Europe at the vanguard of sustainable development.
Methodology:
CIVITAS RENAISSANCE demonstrated that new and innovative transport solutions could facilitate mobility, economic growth and environmental sustainability while protecting the valuable fabric of historic cities. Innovative transport management strategies proved to reduce congestion, and will initiate a shift away from the private car to sustainable modes and vehicles. RENAISSANCE raised public awareness of transport and environmental issues. Cleaner urban transport in historic cities will help preserve the tradition, culture and architectural heritage upon which local economy and social development largely depend. This will enhance economic activities and social aspects.
A key project outcome was the development and validation of new break-through solutions and best practice, that would inspire historic cities across Europe to improve existing services, and make public transport more attractive. The approach taken ensured that results would be verified and could be applied to other cities. Successful implementation of the RENAISSANCE measures would become a turning point for managing traffic in historic towns throughout Europe. The lessons learned would be invaluable to European policy making and for the promotion of a sustainable transport future in Europe.
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