JUST STREETS: prioritizing just and active mobility, while championing sustainability and inclusivity for all

Status: Ongoing projects

The project focuses on creating a safer, more inclusive, and pleasant urban environment, especially for vulnerable groups – pedestrians, cyclists, seniors, children, and people with reduced mobility. It aims to support safety, sustainable mobility, and better quality of life through thoughtful urban planning.

The Significance of the Project for Riga

In Riga, pedestrians and micromobility users face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to public spaces, and safety concerns. Urban spaces are often tailored to car traffic and do not always ensure safe and comfortable movement for pedestrians and cyclists. This project addresses those issues by improving the quality of public space and promoting safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly mobility.

Target of the Project

To promote a safe and accessible urban environment for all residents, especially vulnerable groups, by improving public space and adapting infrastructure to the needs of pedestrians and micromobility users.

Benefits for Residents

✔ Safer city’s environment with improved infrastructure that reduce traffic accident risks;
✔ More accessible public spaces for all population groups;
✔ Healthier lifestyle encouraged by convenient and safe walking and cycling conditions;
✔ Greater community involvement in shaping the city’s public spaces.

Project Activities

✔ Analysis of existing mobility infrastructure and public space quality;
✔ Planning and implementing safety and accessibility improvements;
✔ Testing and adapting innovative solutions in the pilot area;
✔ Developing guidelines for safer and more inclusive street design;
✔ Engaging and informing residents through outreach activities;
✔ Knowledge exchange and implementation of best practices from other European cities.

Testbed Territory in Riga

Āgenskalns.

Project Results

✔ Improved public space tailored to the needs of pedestrians and micromobility users;
✔ New approaches for safer and more accessible urban environments developed and tested;
✔ Guidelines created for safe street design and implementation;
✔ Increased public awareness and participation in urban planning.

Funding, Duration, and Partners

Funding source: Horizon Europe
Total project budget: EUR 10 233 782.54
Total budget for Riga:
EU funding for Riga Municipality: EUR 597 882.50

Implementation Period: 01.01.2024 – 30.06.2027

Project Partners: LINKS Foundation (Italy) – Lead Partner, Riga City Municipality (Latvia), Vilnius (Lithuania), Milan (Italy), Kozani (Greece), Braga (Portugal), Cugir (Romania), Westminster (United Kingdom), City of Amsterdam (Netherlands), and follower cities – Southwark (UK), Haifa (Israel), Vratsa (Bulgaria), Zaragoza (Spain). Technical partners include: University of Amsterdam, Polytechnic University of Turin, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, University of Porto, University of Westminster, and others

Contact Information

Santa Borkovica
City Development Department, Riga City Council
Email: santa.borkovica@riga.lv

Project Links

RDPAD – Promoting Safe, Inclusive and Pleasant Mobility in Urban Environments (JUST STREETS)
JUST STREETS Project