São Paulo’s traffic problem |
Cars, buses and trucks are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in many cities around the world. While the move to electric vehicles is a step in the right direction, the rush to cleaner vehicles alone will not solve the problems that cities are grappling with: a ‘green’ traffic jam is still a traffic jam.
São Paulo’s infrastructure was not built to accommodate large numbers of private vehicles and trucks, and plans that cater to them will quite literally pave the way for further increases in car ownership, congestion, wasted fuel and emissions. Not to even mention more wasted hours sitting in traffic. Initiatives to extend and upgrade São Paulo’s public transport and freight network move slowly. That’s why we are calling on designers to find creative and radical solutions for more sustainable flows of people and goods through the city.
How can we encourage clean and green mobility in Sao Paulo?
“One thing that designers can do: design better bikes, or vehicles, that can entice car-owners and drivers to leave their cars at home and get to work another way. They have to go fast, be safe, carry bags and make sure they don’t get wet…”
MARJAN MINNESMA, FOUNDER OF URGENDA, A DUTCH ORGANIZATION THAT SUED THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT FOR NOT PROTECTING ITS CITIZENS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE.
WHERE DESIGN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Think about reducing the burden on transportation by making trips possible on foot or bicycle, or by encouraging ride-shares to reduce the number of cars on the streets. Look into making public transportation more attractive to use, so that the number of cars on the streets is reduced. Consider how to make certain journeys unnecessary, by encouraging remote working, or by better distributing services and facilities around the city.
Download the São Paulo city briefing (english) Download the São Paulo city briefing (Portugese)