Embracing Motorless Transportation: Guidance from Helsinki's Smart Mobility Experiments
Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa have embarked on an ambitious project to create an integrated transport network that caters to tourists, residents, and commuters alike. The project, known as Finland's Last Mile smart mobility initiative, has been instrumental in demonstrating the effectiveness of data-driven planning, speed limit reductions, infrastructure redesign, and increased public transport use in achieving near-zero traffic fatalities and improving last-mile mobility.
Speed Limits Reduction and Data-Driven Planning
One of the key strategies employed by Helsinki was the implementation of speed limits of 30 km/h on over half of its city streets. This move significantly improved road safety and was a primary factor in achieving zero traffic fatalities in the last year reported. The city also collected detailed crash data, driving speeds, and resident feedback to pinpoint accident blackspots, enabling targeted infrastructure improvements such as safer pedestrian crossings, better-lit bike paths, and adjusted traffic flows.
Prioritizing Vulnerable Road Users
Helsinki prioritized redesigning streets with a focus on child, pedestrian, and cyclist safety. This included reconstructing bike lanes, improving street lighting, and enhancing signage to make active mobility safer and more attractive. By prioritizing vulnerable users, Helsinki demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility in mobility planning.
Increased Public Transport Usage
Reducing cars on roads by encouraging public transportation usage was an essential strategy that not only improved safety but also contributed to sustainable mobility and reduced congestion. Helsinki’s approach was multifaceted, integrating safety, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion goals aligned with EU Vision Zero targets aiming for zero fatalities by 2050.
The Role of Technology and AI
Although still complex, there is recognition that artificial intelligence analyzing traffic camera data could enable automatic traffic control to further improve safety and efficiency. The Last Mile trials in the first year focused on developing tourism mobility services and research, while the second year focused more on intelligent technologies providing practical solutions to residents' mobility.
Lessons Learned and Successful Solutions
The project emphasized the importance of agility in trials to adapt to local needs and preferences. One key learning was that it was difficult to reach the desired target group when trial periods were too short, which didn't allow enough time for sufficient user feedback to be generated. Communication between the coordinator of the pilot and those implementing it must be strong, and they should aim to ensure good guidance with all the necessary resources in place.
Application to Other Cities
Other cities can adopt Helsinki’s model by setting and enforcing reduced speed limits, especially in residential and mixed-use areas. Utilizing comprehensive data analytics to identify local accident hotspots and adjust infrastructure accordingly can improve safety. Cities should engage communities and stakeholders early to build consensus on potentially contentious urban restructuring. Promoting public transit and active modes complements safety goals and supports sustainability. Scaling this approach requires political will and public communication strategies to overcome resistance. Medium-sized cities with similar traffic profiles can replicate Helsinki’s success; larger cities may adapt the principles in scalable phases.
In summary, Finland’s Last Mile smart mobility approach demonstrates that combining data-driven planning, speed management, infrastructure redesign for vulnerable users, and enhanced public transport use leads to significant improvements in road safety and sustainable urban mobility. These lessons can inform a blueprint adaptable to other urban contexts with attention to local specificities and political dynamics.
[1] City of Helsinki (2021). Helsinki's Last Mile smart mobility project. Retrieved from https://www.hel.fi/helsinki/en/web/helsinki-last-mile-smart-mobility-project
[2] European Commission (2020). Helsinki leads the way in smart mobility. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/urban/news/helsinki-leads-way-smart-mobility_en
