The process towards sustainable mobility in Seville: historic town center, pedestrians and cyclists

Abstract

Historic town centres are essential to the functioning of Mediterranean cities. They
must therefore be preserved as a valuable part of their heritage, while remaining suitably
inhabitable. Otherwise, they become mere theatrical props for tourism and commerce. In order
to avoid depopulation, measures must be taken to ensure that the living conditions in historic
town centres are duly protected and comparable to those in the rest of the city. In this regard,
it is essential to provide the adequate conditions for accessibility and mobility that meet the
needs of citizens. The adverse effects of motor vehicle transport need to be controlled and
minimized, and kept within environmentally acceptable limits. Fostering pedestrian activity
and the use of bicycles helps to lower both air and noise pollution levels, while encouraging a
less sedentary lifestyle in the general population, thereby improving public health. Less
pollution is also a positive factor in the conservation of historic buildings and architectural
monuments. This paper analyses two key aspects of the transformations taking place in
Seville: the creation of pedestrian-only zones and the transformation of the city in order to
encourage the use of bicycles for mobility. Another issue discussed in lesser detail is the public
transport system, whose development plans include enlarging the underground transport
system (lines 2, 3 and 4), although works are currently suspended. The case study methodology
is based on urban planning and transport planning documents, statistical reports published
by the local administration, as well as fieldwork data. It focuses on pedestrian-only areas and
some of the unresolved issues of bicycle transport in an urban area which is still dominated by
motor vehicle transport.