Buro Happold, an engineering consultancy, has released a report offering guidance on street design with the needs of micromobility in mind.
The publication considers how micromobility can be incorporated into urban planning and advises on how to support the transition to sustainable transport networks.
According to the paper, urban transport needs to be rapidly and radically reformed if emissions targets are to be met.
It suggests that existing guidance on urban planning is overly-focused on cycling and neglects other sustainable or active travel alternatives, and that micromobility offers new opportunities for businesses and retailers.
Federico Cassani, partner and global head of mobility at Buro Happold, said: “The way we move around our cities is changing rapidly, but the way we design our streets is not changing at the same pace.
“New micro-modes of transport are becoming increasingly popular, rightly driven by the need to create greener networks and the arrival of new, more accessible technology.
“We’re all working together to combat climate change and finding clean, green transport options is going to be a major part of reaching the ambitious targets we’ve set.
“But there are also other exciting opportunities beyond this as well.
“Ultimately, our challenge to councils, planners and designers is to incorporate this new thinking in development plans.
“Let’s take the leap and begin creating these spaces so we can start seeing more of the change that’s needed.”
As part of its 10-point plan for sustainable micromobility, the firm recommends improved infrastructure, more efficient integration with public transport, the development of smoother journeys and increased use of big data and automation in transport solutions.
