Cycling for all: the interventions enabling equitable access to urban cycling
Cycling is seen as one of the most healthy modes of transport, but not everyone has equal access to safety and comfort on urban streets. Luckily, there are grassroots initiatives to level the playing field when it comes to urban cycling.
This is how Venice wants to save itself
Sea water levels rose between 10 and 25 centimeters and by 2100 they are expected to rise between 60 and 110 centimeters. Land subsidence and rising sea levels are inevitable, and they are leading to the city sinking even further each time the tides rise, which is occurring more and more often.
Welcome to the post-diesel era. And now what?
City councils in major European cities such as Madrid and Paris, and even entire countries such as Norway, have considered banning diesel cars, but why?
How smartphones can help emergency services in an accident?
Author | Lucía Burbano When there is a traffic accident, a rapid response is crucial to prevent further issues. However, various circumstances may prevent drivers from contacting emergency services when they need them the most. In critical situations like these, the various technologies available on smartphones can be crucial in saving lives. Smartphones, essential allies […]
How leisure and sports are shaping urbanism: the case of Singapore
Author | Raquel C. Pico When envisioning what constitutes a smart city or the characteristics that will define the cities of the future, people often imagine highly technological environments reminiscent of futuristic films. Aspects such as sports, nature, and leisure do not typically occupy prominent positions in these utopian visions. However, these elements are fundamental […]
Singapore’s secrets: The world’s only urban blue zone
Author | Raquel C. Pico One of humanity’s greatest achievements is the pursuit of longevity. Life expectancy has steadily increased due to advancements in healthcare, improved hygiene practices, and better nutrition. In the past, reaching one hundred years of age was a rare achievement attained by only a select few. Today, it is not as […]
What are V2H vehicles with bidirectional charging, and why are they critical for improving the resilience of cities?
Author | Elvira Esparza Although still relatively scarce, V2H vehicles are becoming increasingly common in cities and on roads; these electric vehicles feature bidirectional charging, allowing them to transfer the energy stored in their batteries to a household. This energy can be used as a backup during power outages in homes or to disconnect from […]
E bike fires are on the rise, sparking a need for improved consumer education
Author | Elvira Esparza In 2023, electric bikes were responsible for 268 fires in New York City, resulting in the deaths of 18 people since 2021. This statistic is just one indication of the danger posed by electric bikes catching fire. More specifically, this statistic highlights the dangers associated with the lithium-ion batteries that power […]
Open data: how can they improve citizen engagement and the economy?
Open data offer an opportunity to improve the efficiency, productivity and creativity of city councils and the companies that use them
Why England, despite its climate, is at risk of running out of water
Author | Elvira Esparza Despite recording the rainiest 18 months on record, England is facing a drought in the coming months. This is an unusual water volatility situation, characterized by alternating periods of drought and flooding. The problem for cities in the country is that rainwater is not stored appropriately. Consequently, the Environment Agency predicts […]