Module 4: Experimenting with potential mobility solutions to promote active modes
This module explores how small-scale experiments can be a powerful tool in mobility planning to promote active modes like walking and cycling. Instead of jumping straight into large investments, participants will discover the strategic value of testing ideas first – learning what works, what doesn’t, and why. The module introduces the step-by-step manual for experimenting with active mobility measures, guiding through the different stages of a pilot planning process with key questions to reflect upon. Through practical case examples from cities, participants will see a variety of pilot approaches and an equal number of challenges—from infrastructure trials to restricting car access and engaging citizens.
What will you learn?
👉 By the end of the module, participants will understand how to link small-scale testing to the broader planning process, how to plan each phase effectively, and even how to learn from unsuccessful pilots. This module is especially valuable for anyone considering or preparing to test active mobility solutions on a smaller scale.
Dates
Webinar: 22.04.2026, 09:00 CEST
- 09:00–09:10 (CEST) Welcome & Framing Ira Sibelius, Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission/City of Turku
- 09:10–09:35 Why Small-Scale Matters: From Tactical Actions to Policy Change. TBC
- 09:35–10:05 Case Studies: Pilots in Action. TBC
- 10:05-10:25 From Idea to evaluation – how to experiment? Ira Sibelius & Adham Maharramli, Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission/City of Turku
- 10:25-10:30 Wrap up and next steps
Workshop: 29.04.2026, 09:00 CEST
- 09:00–09:10 (CEST) Welcome & Framing Ira Sibelius, Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission/City of Turku
- 09:10–09:25 How to pilot on a small scale? Experiences from a City TBC
- 09:25–09:40 Challenge Briefing Ira Sibelius & Adham Maharramli, Union of the Baltic Cities Sustainable Cities Commission/City of Turku
- 09:40–10:20 Group work: Challenge Mapping + Solution Sprint
- 10:20-10:30 Break
- 10:30-11:50 Sharing & Reflections
- 10:50–11:25 City Case Presentations: Cities of Turku, Greifswald and Panevezys
- 11:25–11:30 Wrap-Up & Next Steps
Background & additional materials
Model for experimenting with active mobility measures (to be released in 2026)
This guideline, developed in the SUMPs for BSR project, provides practical tips for testing active mobility measures on a smaller scale. It guides through the different stages of a pilot planning process with key questions to reflect upon, focusing on the characteristics of active mobility measures.
Complementing the SUMP Guidelines, this practitioner briefing developed by the European Cyclists’ Federation provides guidance on how to support cycling at the local level and address it in the SUMP process. It gives recommendations on the crucial organisational developments and measures, including demand management for individual motorised transport.
This Practitioner Briefing developed by the WALK21 Foundation provides guidance on how to plan for walking within the SUMP framework and describes the best practices from European Cities.
Planner’s guide to Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (2020)
This Planner’s guide compiles the experiences of 10 cities from the cities.multimodal project. Each of the 10 cities improved mobility infrastructure by creating mobility points, tested redesigning streets temporarily into car-free or car-reducer streets, and developed awareness-raising campaigns. Recommendations highlight the lessons from these experiments.
Exercises
Coming soon…