Lviv to host Urban Mobility Forum addressing accessibility and space adaptation amid wartime conditions

The Lviv Urban Mobility Forum, which will take place in Lviv from September 16-18, will bring together government officials, activists, and experts in urban planning at a round table.

Rubryka found out the details.

What is the problem?

Ukrainian cities face significant challenges during wartime, which demand a strong focus on accessibility, implementing barrier-free practices, and adapting urban spaces. The sustainability of transportation and mobility is a crucial issue, especially with the current electricity shortages and blackouts.

What is the solution?

"These are key issues that should be included in the national recovery strategy because their spatial and economic development will depend on how mobility in our cities will be organized during crises and unstable electricity supply," the Department of Urban Mobility and Street Infrastructure of the Lviv City Council emphasizes.

The department and Civinet Ukraine (CIVITAS) will organize the second All-Ukrainian Urban Mobility Forum, which will take place in Lviv from September 16 to 18.

The forum will bring together representatives from the central government, local self-government, urban mobility and infrastructure experts, and business and public organization representatives. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about best transportation practices and collaborate on creating a plan of action for the future.

How does it work

^{Works on arranging an accessible public transport stop in Lviv on Chornovola Avenue. Photo from the archive of Orest Oleskiv}

The three-day event, which will take place in Lviv, is part of implementing the city's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. This strategic document defines the city's transport policy for the next ten years.

"The Forum is based on the principles and themes of our Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. Sharing experiences with other cities and strengthening international cooperation is one of the Plan's tasks. Both Lviv and other cities need this, and our Forum is an open platform for forming such new ideas and partnerships," Orest Oleskiv, head of the transport department of the department of urban mobility and Street Infrastructure of the Lviv City Council, notes.

The past two years have proven the importance of diversification in building resilience against threats. Relying on just one or a few transportation systems can be risky. If one mode of transport is hindered due to a shortage of resources, the others must be able to compensate. These topics will be addressed at the forum.

After analyzing the event's outcome, a resolution containing proposals to amend the legislation will be created. This will then be submitted to the Ministry of Community Development, Territories, and Infrastructure for review.

To join the forum, one must apply and receive confirmation from the organizers.

The organizers announced that the preliminary program can now be accessed through the following link.

Does it really work?

According to Orest Oleskiv, Lviv is already making great strides in implementing the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. The city should be proud of the changes it has implemented in the street layout and traffic organization, which are shifting mobility priorities. Additionally, the ongoing reform of public transportation is producing positive results.

Recently, Lviv was designated as the ambassador for the Civitas network and is now the official representative for the network in Ukraine—Civinet Ukraine. This provides new opportunities for the city and other Ukrainian cities interested in joining Civinet Ukraine to collaborate on developing sustainable urban mobility.

^{Participants of the Urban Mobility Forum-2023. Photo: Roman Baluk}

"We are already organizing the Urban Mobility Forum for the second time. We held the first Urban Mobility Forum in April 2023 [last year's event gathered more than 100 participants — ed.]. Then we felt the need to exchange best practices and experience between cities and the expert environment. We also saw that a signal is needed to central authorities that cities continue to function, that there is a need to continue reforms in cooperation with cities to make our cities more resistant to threats and ready for development," Orest Oleskiv notes.

According to the official, the organizers of the first forum observed a great deal of inspiration among the participants, leading them to conclude that such a format should also be continued this year.

"To maintain the war of attrition currently underway, it is critical to have a reliable rear in the form of fully functioning cities to ensure the work of the Ukrainian economy. And a key element of this is reliable, stable mobility in the city and the region. We simply do not have the moral right to stop and must look for all opportunities for continued development and prevent stagnation," Orest Oleskiv emphasizes.

For reference:

As Rubryka pointed out, individuals with disabilities face difficulties in accessing Ukrainian cities and villages. To learn more about improving accessibility in Ukrainian cities and villages, read the article "We cannot wait until we are victorious to address the issue of barrier-free access".