PHOEBE project tests safer, low-speed mobility solutions in Athens

The EU-funded PHOEBE project is helping cities become safer for pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users by combining advanced traffic simulation with road safety assessments. Running for three and a half years, the project is being tested in Athens, Valencia and the West Midlands. 

In Athens, PHOEBE is supporting the Athens Great Walk (AGW), a major regeneration project linking the city’s historic sites. While construction is complete, the focus has now shifted to monitoring and evaluation. PHOEBE analyses behaviour such as speeding and pedestrian red-light violations, validates impacts using real-world data, and provides recommendations to improve safety, traffic management and environmental outcomes.

A key intervention under PHOEBE’s guidance is the planned nationwide 30 km/h speed limit in Greece, to be enforced from January 2026. Simulations show that the lower speed limit will reduce risks for vulnerable road users without causing severe congestion. Evidence suggests it can smooth traffic flow and cut accident risks. This data supports policymakers in justifying the measure and informs related initiatives such as pedestrianisation, traffic calming and micromobility integration across Athens.

The impact of PHOEBE’s interventions is already visible. With the Athens Great Walk alone:

• Travel times dropped by 17.7%
• Travel distances fell by 12.8%
• Delays decreased by 8.4%

Speed reductions in central areas have lowered the risk of traffic incidents, while walking and micromobility use have increased, particularly among younger residents. When combined with the 30 km/h limit, the benefits are greater: non-motorised travel rises by up to 20.8%, motorised travel falls by 1.6%, and carbon emissions remain below previous levels. 

These changes highlight a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, more efficient traffic management and positive environmental outcomes. PHOEBE will continue to share results with stakeholders and promote best practices for raising public awareness and building community support.

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.