Sustainable Transport and Engagement Programmes for 15-minute cities

Slovene partner: UNG (Ario de Marco). Partners: Municipality of Nova Gorica; Municipality of Masquefa (ES); Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya (ES); Sabanci University (TR)

UNG group members: Nika Bronić, Marco Acri, Klara Kropivšek

Duration: Jan 2026 - Dec 2028

Topic:

STEP-15 is a research project aimed at fostering the transition to 15-minute cities (15mC) by providing cities with the tools and methodologies necessary for inclusive, sustainable, and participatory urban mobility planning. STEP-15 focuses on overcoming the traditional challenges of urban mobility, particularly in terms of accessibility, equity, and sustainability. By combining objective data and stakeholder participation, STEP-15 aims identifying environmentally friendly and socially inclusive models of urban development.

The main objectives of STEP-15 are to develop a comprehensive, participatory methodology for urban mobility planning, tailored to the specific needs of diverse urban contexts. The project will create a 15mC Readiness Rating System to evaluate current urban infrastructure, assess mobility patterns, and highlight areas for improvement. This system will rely on key performance indicators (KPIs) drawn from local mobility data, stakeholder feedback, and participatory diagnostics, ensuring that the approach is adaptable to different cities. A critical aspect of STEP-15 is its participatory framework, which involves local communities, urban planners, and policymakers in co-designing solutions to urban mobility challenges. This participatory approach will lead to the development of co-created urban mobility solutions that reflect the real needs and preferences of residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and people with reduced mobility (PRM).

Once these solutions are co-designed, STEP-15 will focus on implementing pilot mobility interventions in two demonstration sites: Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Masquefa, Spain. These pilot interventions will be assessed through before-and-after impact evaluations, using behavioral data, user surveys, and mobility data analysis to measure improvements in accessibility, inclusivity, and active mobility adoption.

The project will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also contribute to the EU’s broader objectives of reducing car dependency, improving air quality, and addressing climate change. By focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations and fostering citizen engagement, STEP-15 offers a holistic solution to urban mobility challenges, ensuring that no one is left behind in the transition to sustainable cities.