More than 70% of all people in Europe already live in a city, and the proportion will continue to rise in the coming decades. Large cities in particular are therefore increasingly forced to address issues such as environmental protection, sustainable spaces and green urbanism. Green urban design should take these factors into account and help to improve the quality of life and to conserve natural resources.
Numerous measures are necessary to achieve these goals, mainly concerning infrastructure and energy supply. If green urban planning succeeds, then both the city dwellers and the environment can benefit considerably.
The Definition of Green Urbanism
In some countries, the USA being a prime example, it is easy to see what repercussions a strong focus on the automobile as a central means of transport has for the typical cityscape. Residential areas are often built on the outskirts of cities, and shops and schools are only accessible by car. In many outer districts, even footpaths for pedestrians and bicycle lanes are virtually non-existent, resulting in a complete dependence upon a car.
Needless to say, this goes hand in hand with high energy consumption, air pollution and increasing health hazards. This is precisely what green urban planning aims to prevent, by giving priority to environmentally friendly infrastructures and technologies to create the sustainable city of the future. The green city stipulates that all facilities and green spaces must be easily accessible, so that short distances can easily be covered on foot or by bicycle.
Humans and nature are in harmony in green city living and contribute to a harmonious atmosphere instead of attempting to displace each other. This has a very positive effect, and makes an important contribution to tomorrow’s quality of life.
The Creation of Green Urbanism
Numerous modern technologies help to advance green urban design in a meaningful way. What was considered unthinkable a few years ago, already plays a significant role in the infrastructure of some cities, creating pockets of green space design within the cities.
The so-called green urbanism relies on the following elements:
- Short distances between neighbourhoods, as well as shops, amenities, and green spaces that are within walking or cycling distance for most of the residents.
- Easy access to public resources and parks, which are central components of green city living.
- Sensible and environmentally friendly means of transport, including the necessary infrastructure to ensure e-mobility.
- Energy and resource-saving technologies in the field of electricity and water supply, as well as waste management, which is becoming increasingly crucial.
- Higher energy production from sustainable sources such as sun, wind and water, which fit organically into the cityscape.
There are many other aspects that can be part of a sustainable urban design. After all, the term is not set in stone and is in constant flux thanks to new technologies and findings. But one goal always remains firmly in the foreground: harmony between the urbanites and their environment.
Characteristics of a Sustainable City
While the quality of life in cities has been suffering for years from heavy pollution, as well as noise and exhaust fumes, green urban design offers just the right approach, as a green city has countless advantages and beneficial features.
- Greater mobility: For a long time, having one’s own car was deeemd a sign of great mobility and freedom, but nowadays, it actually creates high dependencies. In a green city, it is no longer necessary to have a car, as there are a variety of convenient and environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Less pollution: By eliminating unnecessary car traffic and using emission-free technologies, pollution decreases. The air quality, especially, can be rapidly improved through green urban design.
- Liveable city centres: Many central parks and green spaces have an inviting effect and bring people together when the weather is good. Reduced traffic volumes also help to make city centres liveable and noise-free.
- Careful use of resources: Electricity and water consumption has risen rapidly in recent decades. Green urban design can reverse this trend and reduce consumption, which also reduces environmental pollution.
- Better health: An active lifestyle with daily walking or cycling and a clean environment contribute to the health of all inhabitants. The improved quality of life is therefore reflected in people’s better physical and mental health.
Green Urban Design and Transport Planning
But it is precisely the issue of transport planning that plays a critical role in designing sustainable cities. After all, many of the positive features can only be achieved when the urban population can genuinely do without a car. In this context, the easier it is to resort to an alternative, the more successfully green cities will function.
The overarching goal is to provide people with convenient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of transport. This includes, in particular, routes for individual transport that will keep people active and are easy to manage, especially in combination with increasingly efficient electric mobility. E-bikes and e-scooters will play a significant part in shaping the transport planning of tomorrow.
While electric cars can be considered a good start, the overall CO₂ footprint for individual transport remains comparatively high. E-bikes, on the other hand, consume a fraction of the energy, both in production and use. So, if a route is too long for walking, the e-bike is the perfect alternative for many city dwellers.
Visions of the Future – Exploring the Green City on an E-Bike
Green urban design basically relies on the shortest possible distances that can be covered on foot or by bicycle. An e-bike can offer all the advantages of comfortable mobility, even if the route is a bit longer. A visit to the city park or shopping in the nearby shopping centre is just a piece of cake if you have an e-bike.
Thanks to the strategically placed charging stations, you don’t have to worry about a quick recharge. By the time you have finished your relaxed picnic or shopping for fresh, locally sourced food in the supermarket, your e-bike is fully charged again. In an emergency, there’s even a suitable public transport service to get you home quickly.
3 Tips on How You Can Support the Green City With Your E-Bike
Sustainable urban design and green infrastructure are the best prerequisites, but ultimately the urbanites decide whether the green city will be a success or not. With the following three tips, you can make an important contribution with your e-bike.
1. Use an E-Bike Instead of a Car for Your Commute to Work
Many everyday journeys are only a few kilometres, and most commuters only cover an average of 6 –19 kilometres (approximately 3.7 to 11.8 miles) to work. With a regular bicycle, even distances between 5 and 10 km can already be rather strenuous, but with a modern e-bike, this kind of commute is almost effortless. Making do without a car for shorter distances saves a lot of money and also protects the environment.
2. Taking the E-Bike to Get to the City Centre
Many people like to go to the city centre at the weekend, for some shopping or leisure activities. The e-bike is extremely practical in this case, as there is no need to search for a parking space. Thanks to strong luggage racks, many models are even suitable for bulk purchases. However, if you really need more storage space, you can opt for one of the new cargo e-bikes.
3. Low Environmental and Human Impact
The low environmental impact makes the e-bike an extremely valuable companion in the green city. Your rides are comfortable, environmentally friendly and don’t generate any traffic noise, which contributes to a liveable city centre. You don’t have to forego the riding comfort you are used to, and e-bikes have also made great leaps forward in recent years in terms of performance, reliability, and durability.
The Bottom Line
Heavy pollution, high resource consumption and permanent noise pollution are factors that increasingly affect the quality of life in cities. This is why many people today want green urban design that considers the interests of residents and the environment in equal measure.
Sustainable urban design has dedicated itself to this issue and aims to increase the quality of life thanks to green spaces and green infrastructure. Modern e-bikes are an important component in this green city concept because they combine individual mobility, comfort and environmental protection.
With the stylish Ampler bikes, you can already start making an essential contribution to the green city of tomorrow. We are looking forward to welcoming you for a test ride.
