Model for experimenting with active mobility measures
The Model for experimenting with active mobility measures is a practical guide for cities that want to test, evaluate and scale small-scale solutions supporting walking, cycling and more people-centred public spaces.
Testing active mobility measures ・ Three-phase pilot framework ・For urban planners
Developed within the SUMPs for BSR project, the model helps local authorities integrate experimentation into sustainable urban mobility planning. It is especially relevant for small and mid-sized cities looking for flexible, low-cost and evidence-based ways to promote active mobility before committing to larger infrastructure investments.
What is the model about?
Small-scale experiments allow cities to test new mobility solutions in real-life conditions, assess their impacts and involve residents and stakeholders in the planning process. They can help identify what works locally, reduce the risks of permanent investments and build public and political support for long-term change.
The publication provides a structured approach to experimenting with active mobility measures. It guides cities through the full pilot lifecycle: from identifying the challenge and planning the intervention, through implementation and monitoring, to evaluation, communication of results and decisions on whether to continue, adapt, replicate or scale up the measure.
What does the publication include?
The model is organised around three main phases:
Before implementation, cities are guided through need assessment, strategic relevance, pilot design, resourcing, timeline planning, location selection, permissions, stakeholder involvement, monitoring arrangements, communication planning and risk analysis.
During implementation, the publication focuses on coordination, engagement, monitoring, adjustment, communication, political support, risk management and quality assurance.
After implementation, the model supports cities in evaluating pilot results, deciding on next steps and communicating outcomes to planners, decision-makers, citizens and local stakeholders.
A dedicated section on evaluation presents recommended topics and methods for assessing the impacts of small-scale experiments. These include mobility behaviour, traffic volumes, modal split, infrastructure use, user satisfaction, perceived safety, stakeholder interaction, costs, resources, permissions and the overall implementation process.
Learning from Baltic Sea Region cities
The publication is complemented by case studies from Cēsis, Gävle, Gdynia, Greifswald, Panevėžys and Turku. These examples illustrate how different cities tested active mobility measures in practice, including temporary cycling lanes, roofed bicycle sheds, digital cycling campaigns, public space visualisation tools, bicycle and scooter parking at schools, mobile bicycle parking and neighbourhood mobility hubs.
The case studies highlight success factors, challenges, lessons learned and scalability potential. They show that even small interventions can generate valuable knowledge for future planning, strengthen cooperation across departments and improve dialogue with residents and stakeholders.
Who is it for?
The model is intended for local public authorities, urban mobility planners, transport experts and municipal decision-makers interested in promoting active mobility through practical experimentation.
By using the model, cities can test ideas in a more systematic way, collect evidence on their impacts and make better-informed decisions about future investments in walking, cycling and high-quality public spaces.