Clean mobility corridors
Introduction
The mobility pyramid or hierarchy is an urban planning strategy that establishes a hierarchy of preference between the different modes of transportation that coexist in cities. Its main objective is to promote equity and sustainability in public spaces, giving priority to the most vulnerable users and those means of transport that are more efficient, sustainable and less harmful to the environment. The approach is to put pedestrians and cyclists first, followed by public transport, and leaving private cars last. [1].
Pyramid Structure
The mobility pyramid is generally presented as an inverted pyramid, where at the top are the most vulnerable and least polluting modes of transport, and at the base are the modes of transport that generate more negative externalities, such as traffic congestion and pollution.[2] The hierarchy,[3] commonly follows this order:
-
- Pedestrians: people who move on foot and in a wheelchair, including people with disabilities, older adults, children and their caregivers. They are considered the most vulnerable users of public space and, therefore, occupy the highest place in the hierarchy.[4].
-
- Cyclists: bicycles represent an efficient and sustainable means of transportation that, in addition to not emitting pollutants, takes up little space compared to other motorized vehicles.[2].
-
- Public transportation: buses, trains, trams and other means of public transportation are prioritized for their ability to move large numbers of people more efficiently and with less environmental impact than private cars.[2].
-
- Freight transportation: freight vehicles, essential for the distribution of goods, occupy an important place in the hierarchy, although they must be regulated to minimize their impact on circulation and the environment.[2].
-
- Private automobiles and motorcycles: at the base of the pyramid are automobiles and motorcycles, which, although they are very widespread means of transportation, generate the greatest amount of polluting emissions, consume more space on the roads and are less efficient in terms of occupancy.[2].