During the fossil era, our cities were built for the car. Wide streets were constructed all over the place to facilitate car traffic. Large areas were paved and occupied by roads, roundabouts and car parks.
The bicycle, on the other hand, was often pushed aside and kept off road traffic, which led to bicycle tracks being part of the pavement. But as cities grew and climate change accelerated, cities needed more and more land to plant trees, build housing and construct climate protection. At the same time, many inner-city residents complained about noise, exhaust fumes and traffic hazards.
Some people living in the city of Norrköping decided to take matters into their own hands. One night, they placed planter boxes at the ends of several centrally located smaller streets. Most drivers assumed that this was a municipal initiative, which meant that it took several weeks before they were removed.
However, the residents appreciated streets without any cars and presented a citizens’ proposal that the inner-city streets should gradually be made car-free. They were supported by many restaurant and store owners and after much campaigning, it was passed by the municipal council!
The city changed slowly but surely. On some streets, the car lane became a bicycle highway where spandex-wearing cyclists travelled alongside parents on electric bikes in a hurry to get to the kindergarten. Since bicycles don’t use up all that much space, the tree-lined street made a comeback, where tree after tree was planted along the city streets.
As traffic jams became a thing of the past, there was much more space for public transport, which was almost never late. In the end, the whole city centre of Norrköping was dedicated to small, quiet and public means of transportation!
Citizens’ proposal: In many Swedish municipalities, all residents are entitled to submit proposals directly to the municipal board.
Municipal council: The highest decision-making body in a municipality.
This text is part of the future scenario and study material Beyond the Fossil Era.
