New SUMP Topic guide: Addressing Gender Equity and Vulnerable Groups in SUMPs

The European Commission’s latest topic guide on 'Addressing Gender Equity and Vulnerable Groups in SUMPs' is now available to download. 

As cities grow, so does the need for gender-responsive and inclusive transport systems. Mobility is the degree to which a city is accessible as a whole – regardless of ability, age, gender or race. Barriers to accessibility place burdens on those already facing difficulties moving around cities. Transport systems are usually designed for an idealised group of middle-class, male, adult, self-empowered users who have neither major mental, sensory or physical disabilities nor inhibitions concerning navigating the transport system (INCLUSION, 2020).

People that already face difficulties with transport have struggled even more during COVID-19. Now, more than ever, the consideration of diversity and different needs in transport planning is essential.

This topic guide offers guidance to local authorities and mobility practitioners to better understand where gender equity and inclusivity meet transport planning. This document will help readers to design balanced, socially inclusive and gender-equitable places for people to live and travel in.

See the full document here.

Original article first published September 2020 by European Platform on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans