FLOW: An European Project to Address Congestion and Give Walking and Cycling Equal Footing in Transport Modelling ( breakout presentation )

Abstract

The mission of the FLOW project is to put walking and cycling on an equal footing with motorised modes by developing a user-friendly methodology to assess the effectiveness of walking and cycling measures in addressing urban road congestion. FLOW is the first project explicitly linking walking and cycling with congestion reduction. The project takes a trans-disciplinary approach to congestion reduction, and aims to create and implement a new state-of-the-art by integrating the FLOW methodology and congestion assessment tools into the current standard transport impact analysis process. Its objectives are: 1) to define the role of walking and (safe) cycling in congestion reduction; 2) to develop and apply tools for assessing the congestion-busting impacts of various walking and cycling measures; 3) to demonstrate and assess the congestion reduction impact of various walking and cycling measures; 4) to actively support take-up of congestion reducing measures by public administration; 5) to increase awareness of the congestion reduction potential of walking and cycling; 6) to foster the market for new walking and cycling products and services for congestion reduction, and; 7) to communicate congestion reduction facts of walking and cycling. FLOW targets three main stakeholder groups: cities, businesses and decision-makers - with the aim of shifting the way these groups think about and act on the potential for non-motorised transport to reduce congestion. FLOW partner cities will pilot the assessment tools that look at the congestion impact of walking and cycling measures as well as improved transport modelling simulation tools. These will be used to develop implementation scenarios and action plans to add or upscale cycling and walking measures shown to reduce congestion. This presentation will provide an overview of the project and the resources and tools being developed and delivered and the results that are starting to emerge from this innovative work.