Address the bottlenecks in sustainable mobility by focusing on economic and social challenges, rather than on the demonstrated environmental gains

Improvements in sustainable mobility have been reached in the EU, however air and noise pollution, congestion, traffic-related health problems, dependence on fossil fuels are still high in many cities, which justify more interventions. The focus of sustainable mobility has rarely been placed on directing these efforts at enhancing the resilience and the quality of life. Security in public spaces, thriving trade, accessibility of elderly, children, families and disabled people, mobility poverty, social inclusion, social relationships, wellbeing are needs that are indeed linked to sustainable mobility. The environmental benefits of sustainable mobility are acknowledged by policy makers, practitioners and the research community in Europe, even if with different degrees in EU cities. However, concerns for congestion, air quality, health, noise are often not enough to motivate people to change their mobility habits. The economic and social benefits of sustainable mobility is an area that has attracted less attention. It is accepted that sustainable mobility is linked to wellbeing and quality of life, but it is a relationship that needs further action. The project argues that these benefits could unlock the hidden demand for soft mobility and act as enablers of behaviour change. They could also make unpopular choices of city councils (such as traffic restrictions) more accepted by creating cooperation between stakeholders and win-win situations.