Engaging Communities: Insights from the 1st REFOCUS Webinar
The inaugural session of the series focused on stakeholder engagement and institutional cooperation in sustainable mobility planning and included presentations from Project partners and an example from Budapest.
A citizen-science setting for data collection and decision-making - Wim Nicque, Sint-Niklaas
Stakeholder engagement and institutional cooperation in the field of sustainable mobility - Bendegúz Kovács, BKK Budapest
SUMP 2.0 development for Ljubljana; institutional cooperation and set-up - Marko Stančec, POLIS
Thessaloniki’s Smart Mobility Living Lab Ecosystem - Josep Maria Salanova Grau, HIT/CERTH
GEOPOZ 3D model and city database - Wiktor Żuchowski, Łukasiewicz, Poznański Instytut Technologiczny (PIT)
All of the powerpoints are available to view here, along with the recording, here.
Case Study: Addressing Traffic Issues in Sint-Niklaas
In Sint-Niklaas, Belgium (pop. 83,000), authorities tackled cut-through traffic and speeding in a residential 30 km/h zone with wide streets that encouraged speeding. Wim’s presentation showcased two citizen-led initiatives: neighbourhood traffic adjustments and stakeholder input into a new local mobility plan.
Data-Driven Solutions:
- Window-mounted resident-led traffic sensors at nine points (intensity, modal split, speed).
- Pre/post-analysis of measures like one-way traffic, signage, and green road narrowing.
Results:
- Reduced cut-through traffic in 3 of 4 streets.
- Improved speed compliance.
- No major negative impacts on adjacent streets.
Citizen Participation & Lessons Learned:
Using a consultation model, the city engaged a neighbourhood committee but faced resistance from uninvolved residents and opposition campaigns. To address this, they increased dialogue and transparency.
Key takeaways:
- Data vs. perception gap persists.
- Early clarity on participation scope is vital.
- Public events must ensure balanced voices.
- Citizen-led data gathering builds ownership.
- Reassessment six months later confirmed success and remaining concerns.
Based on their experience, Wim cautioned to ‘take extra care of invisible people – and be wary that the data doesn’t tell the whole story.’
Case Study: Strategic Urban Mobility Planning in Budapest
The Budapest Mobility Plan (BMT), developed by BKK, shows an evolving approach to strategic urban mobility planning using the SUMP (Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan) methodology.
From the 2009 Transport System Plan to the 2023 BMT update, Budapest has transitioned from externally developed strategies to an in-house, data-driven, and participatory planning model. The 2023 revision integrates EU 2021–27 objectives, climate goals, a new investment program, and SUMI indicators.
BKK implemented a 3-tier engagement model involving:
- Experts and authorities via the Balázs Mór Committee.
- NGOs through the Mobility Forum and Balázs Mór Club.
- Citizens via consultations, surveys, and communication campaigns.
Public input shaped problem definitions (2022) and validated proposed plans (2023), emphasizing transparency and inclusiveness. NGOs actively contributed insights, while citizens influenced decision-making through surveys gauging support for sustainable modes.
Key Learnings:
- Internal planning capacity enables tailored strategies.
- Structured engagement fosters legitimacy and adaptation.
- Open communication builds public trust and accountability.
Budapest’s SUMP experience highlights how integrated planning, robust data, and wide participation can guide sustainable urban mobility transitions. Interestingly, Budapest found it easier to switch people from car to bike than from car to Public Transport!
Case Study Summary: GEOPOZ 3D City Model & Urban Data Portal in Poznań
Presented by Wiktor Żuchowski (Poznan Institute of Technology), Poznań’s advanced 3D city model and database system, developed since 2016 and continuously updated to support urban planning and analysis, including sustainable mobility planning.
The model allows for
- Integrates real-time IoT data (e.g. weather, pollution) refreshed every minute.
- Portal users can select, generate, and download custom data for specific areas.
- Supports use cases ranging from urban planning and architecture to education and real estate.
Poznań’s approach illustrates how digital city models can drive evidence-based urban decision-making, stakeholder collaboration, and citizen engagement through accessible data tools.
Additionally, we revisited the Thesslaloniki Living Lab (ThSMLL) with Dr. Josep Maria Salanova Grau (CERTH/HIT) stating how “if you have data and you can visualise it then the capacity to make policy decisions is greatly increased.”
Marko Stančec (POLIS) provided an overview of 2nd generation sustainable urban mobility planning from an institutional and governance perspective, with the observation that political stability is essential to delivery.
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