LOFTUM and SSNE held a course on transport-oriented planning and active travel at Stéttinni in Húsavík this morning. The course was delivered by Sigurborg Ósk Haraldsdóttir, a project manager at SSNE, and is the first of many in a series where the training is adapted to the size and local context of the respective municipality. The course is based on the new guidelines from the Planning Authority, 'Human Life, Settlement and Urban Space', which discuss sustainable planning and environmentally friendly transport in urban areas. See here: Human life, building and urban space.pdf (skipulag.is)
The course was divided into two parts, planning and design. In the planning section, the causal relationship between land use and sustainable transport, urban mix, and what constitutes traffic-generating activities were reviewed. A comprehensive sustainable transport system and how it is implemented were also examined.
The design section covered what characterises good street design, why permeability matters for pedestrians and cyclists, the safety of vulnerable road users, the importance of wide pavements, car and bicycle parking policies, high-quality bus stops and how to increase street greenery.
During the course, the participants' immediate environment was examined and numerous ideas emerged about what could be improved. The participants commented that, above all, the course could have been longer. Such was their interest.
The next course will be held in Akureyri on Tuesday, 23rd April between 10:00 and 12:00. You can register here:
The course is part of the Loftum project and is therefore free of charge for staff of local authorities within SSNE.