Participation-led SUMP development in Agios Dimitrios

Agios Dimitrios developed its Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) (2024) through a structured, participatory process addressing transport challenges and promoting sustainability. The plan began with a comprehensive assessment and scenario development, culminating in a transformative vision focused on active and sustainable mobility. Broad stakeholder engagement, including gender-focused workshops and interactive tools ensured inclusive planning while quick-win initiatives, including a street mural and climate festival boosted public awareness and support. An active mobility network prioritising vulnerable users was a key outcome. 

Even with a mayoral transition, political continuity was maintained. The process exemplifies effective co-creation, transparency, and long-term commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

Context

Agios Dimitrios is a municipality located in the Athens Functional Urban Area just five kilometres south of central Athens and approximately four kilometres from the Saronic Gulf coast. With a population of around 70,000 residents, it ranks among the 35 largest municipalities in Greece. The area is characterised by a dense urban fabric, with roughly 14,000 inhabitants per square kilometre, reflecting its predominantly residential nature interspersed with small businesses and public amenities.

Agios Dimitrios plays a critical role in Athens’ transport network, serving as a key link between the southern suburbs and the city centre via major arterial roads such as Vouliagmenis Avenue and Agiou Dimitriou Avenue. The street layout is comprised of a tight network of narrow streets alongside isolated, quiet neighbourhoods divided by a local stream. This enables connectivity but also creates separation within the municipality.

The municipality benefits from direct access to the Athens Metro Network through three stations located near its borders, including the Agios Dimitrios–Alexandros Panagoulis station, which features a shopping mall, and the Dafni station with an urban bus terminal. This infrastructure positions Agios Dimitrios as an important transport hub for the southern section of the Athens Functional Urban Area, contributing to significant daily traffic and parking management challenges.

In addition to metro services, the municipality is well-served by public and municipal buses, with two municipal lines offered free of charge to support access to mobility and services for vulnerable groups. Complementing the public transport network is an extensive pedestrian and low-speed street system that enables access to public buildings like schools, churches and the town hall. While there are no dedicated bike lanes at present, the municipality has recently initiated a study to develop cycling infrastructure.

In light of the municipality’s mobility landscape and the challenges it faces, Agios Dimitrios initiated the planning process for its SUMP in late 2017, aiming to build on existing strengths while addressing pressing needs for more sustainable, accessible, and efficient transport solutions. The initial phase focused on setting up the planning process, including a comprehensive analysis of restrictions and possibilities. This began with an assessment of the municipality’s potential to adopt sustainable mobility policies, taking into account the available resources, institutional capacity, and time constraints. A key step involved identifying relevant stakeholders and designing a strategy for citizen participation to ensure inclusive and transparent planning.

In parallel, a planning methodology was developed to provide a structured framework for the entire process. Special attention was given to identifying potential challenges stemming from the current state of the transport sector, as well as other internal or external factors that could hinder progress. Finally, a dedicated working group was established, along with strategic partnerships and communication channels, such as a project website, to facilitate coordination, information sharing and public engagement throughout the planning stages.

In action

A multi-phase approach

The SUMP was developed through a structured, multi-phase process focused on creating inclusive and effective mobility solutions. 

It began with the Assessment Phase (“My Municipality Today”), which analysed the current state of transport infrastructure by comparing official plans with actual conditions, paying close attention to roads, pedestrian areas, and the lack of cycling infrastructure.

Building on this foundation, the Developing Scenarios Phase explored three future mobility models: 

• continuing existing trends
• promoting modal shifts
• a transformative scenario that integrates land-use planning with sustainable mobility 

The third scenario, emphasising active and green transport, was chosen as the most impactful and guided the planning of interventions in public transport, traffic management, safety and environmental areas.

In the Vision and Priority Setting Phase, input from citizens and stakeholders helped shape a long-term vision centred on accessibility, safety, vibrant public spaces and integrated planning. This vision drove key objectives such as reducing emissions, improving health, enhancing social equity and raising awareness about sustainable mobility.

During the Proposals and Measure Development Phase, these goals were translated into actionable plans, including pedestrian and cycling infrastructure upgrades, smart traffic systems, green initiatives and public engagement strategies.

The Evaluation Phase introduced a monitoring framework with specific indicators and targets to support ongoing assessment and adaptive planning. These were grouped into four main categories:

1. Result indicators – to show the effects on society, the economy and the environment as well as on traffic volumes and modal choices
2. Output indicators – to check how well the plan is being put into action
3. Input indicators – to measure the resources being used to carry out the plan. 

In the Financing Phase, diverse funding sources, especially EU programmes, were identified to support implementation.

Finally, the Action Plan detailed execution timelines, budgets and responsibilities, with the Technical Services Department overseeing delivery in coordination with regional partners.

About the participation strategy

The participation strategy for the SUMP aimed to ensure inclusive and meaningful engagement from citizens, stakeholders and political leaders throughout the planning process. A dedicated project website acted as a central hub for collecting feedback, while a formal agreement with five local organisations guaranteed their involvement across key phases. 

During the “My Municipality Today” assessment, targeted surveys were conducted with different groups, including pupils and adults, to understand their daily mobility needs. Open-ended questions accompanied each planning phase, encouraging continuous public input and reflection.

A gender-perspective workshop held at the city hall also brought together women’s organisations, disability advocates and the mayor to discuss mobility challenges. Additional public consultations took place during city hall meetings, fostering real-time dialogue.

Political decision-makers played an active role through special sessions embedded in council meetings, supporting co-creation efforts. To deepen engagement, interactive methods such as mapping exercises and World Café discussions were used, promoting collaborative problem-solving. These tools empowered participants to contribute creatively and fostered a sense of transparency, inclusion, and shared ownership over the future of urban mobility in the municipality.

Applying Quick-Win Measures

The municipality introduced quick-win measures to raise awareness, engage the public, and showcase the immediate benefits of sustainable mobility, building early momentum for the SUMP. Both were coordinated and managed by CIVINET Greece-Cyprus.

One notable initiative was a street mural project involving primary school children, using public art as a creative medium to support the Vision Zero approach to road safety. The mural, which emphasised safe and inclusive streets, was later captured on Google Maps, giving it lasting visibility and symbolic value in the community.

Another key quick-win was the OUTTA Climate Festival, held in September 2023 in a public park, which attracted over 500 visitors. The festival linked the topic of climate change to the development of Agios Dimitrios’ SUMP by highlighting the benefits of transitioning to sustainable mobility in urban areas. The event featured live music, artistic performances and open discussions focused on raising awareness and engaging the community.

Both initiatives were funded by the Ministry of Environment through a national call promoting climate change awareness.

Results

A key outcome of the SUMP was the design of a municipality-wide active mobility network, developed to enhance safety, accessibility and inclusivity for all residents. This network specifically focuses on the needs of vulnerable road users, including older adults, people with disabilities, children and others who are underserved by conventional transport infrastructure. It outlines both infrastructure and organisational interventions needed to transform existing streets into safe, user-friendly environments. Proposed measures include traffic calming features, the construction of ramps and accessible crossings, the creation of dedicated cycle lanes, pedestrian zones, and the introduction of raised intersections to slow down traffic and enhance visibility. This initiative represents a critical step toward a more liveable, sustainable and people-centred urban landscape.

Equally important was the political continuity maintained during the final stages of the SUMP process. Although the Mayor of Agios Dimitrios changed shortly before the plan’s official adoption in May 2024, the transition in leadership did not disrupt the process. The new mayor assumed office before the plan's approval which was done without making amendments, demonstrating support for sustainable mobility policies and a shared commitment to long-term urban resilience and improved quality of life for all residents.

Challenges, opportunities and transferability

Key successes and opportunities

The SUMP process in Agios Dimitrios offers valuable insight into how a well-structured and inclusive planning approach can lead to the successful development and adoption of a long-term mobility strategy. A clearly defined process, grounded in transparency, collaboration and early stakeholder involvement, played a crucial role in ensuring that the plan was adopted smoothly, without major objections or political delays. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of investing in a participatory and co-creative process from the outset.

One of the standout features was the strategic integration of quick-win measures during the planning phase. Initiatives such as the street mural project with local school children and the OUTTA Climate Festival served dual purposes - they raised public awareness of sustainable mobility and climate issues while building community enthusiasm and visibility around the plan. Funded through national climate awareness programmes, these measures demonstrated how small-scale, symbolic actions can support long-term policy objectives.

At the heart of the process was a strong commitment to inclusive co-creation. Public workshops, interactive mapping sessions and World Café-style discussions encouraged residents and stakeholders to engage meaningfully in shaping the vision and priorities of the plan. Dedicated efforts to incorporate gender perspectives and equity considerations, such as hosting a city hall workshop with women’s and disability advocacy groups, helped ensure that the plan responded to the needs across different population groups.

Partnerships with external NGOs enriched the process with specialised knowledge, expanded outreach and strengthened credibility. Their involvement contributed to a broader understanding of mobility challenges and solutions in the municipality. 

A major opportunity arose through the integration of land-use planning with mobility strategies. This holistic approach enabled the municipality to prioritise active and green transport solutions, culminating in the creation of an active mobility network tailored to the needs of vulnerable users. Strategic partnerships, effective communication channels, and a strong monitoring framework further enhanced the plan’s effectiveness and resilience.

Equally important was the engagement of political decision-makers throughout the process. By bringing co-creation sessions directly into council meetings, the planning team ensured early political buy-in and a sense of shared ownership. This approach paid off at the final stage, when the municipal council adopted the plan without major objections, despite a change in mayoral leadership.

The Agios Dimitrios SUMP process illustrates how combining technical planning with inclusive engagement, early action and cross-sector collaboration can create a widely supported, forward-thinking roadmap for sustainable urban mobility.

Key challenges

The planning process for the SUMP of Agios Dimitrios offers valuable lessons for other municipalities, while also highlighting several challenges. One of the main challenges was institutional capacity, as the municipality had to operate within limited resources and time constraints. Effective stakeholder engagement posed a particular difficulty, requiring tailored strategies to ensure the inclusion of diverse voices, particularly those of underrepresented groups such as women and people with disabilities. Additionally, aligning political leadership with long-term planning objectives, especially during leadership transitions, demanded robust governance and communication mechanisms.

Transferability to other cities

In terms of transferability, the Agios Dimitrios model offers adaptable practices for municipalities of similar scale and complexity. The phased, participatory approach, the emphasis on early engagement and the use of structured indicators for evaluation can be applied to other contexts with suitable customisation. Political continuity and institutional learning, as demonstrated during the mayoral transition, underline the importance of embedding sustainability into the governance culture itself.

Author: Claus Köllinger 

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

Photo credits © - CIVINET Greece-Cyprus