In some parts of Europe, Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning and Plans (SUMPs) have yet to gain popularity. Knowledge exists within the SUMP community as to why this is the case, but until recently there had been no systematic in-depth empirical assessment that collected comprehensive data on the issue.

A new report from CIVITAS SUMPs-Up fills this gap. Based on a needs assessment that collected responses from mobility experts and over 300 cities, it examines SUMP take-up across Europe.

Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to gather the findings that show what motivates cities to develop SUMPs, the barriers to SUMP development, and the support cities need to devise and implement SUMPs.

Some of the key findings to emerge were that: cities require assistance when selecting measures in newer policy areas, such as shared mobility services and automation. In more traditional policy areas like cycling and road safety, cities already have the necessary understanding, but need support in measure implementation; good practice examples and peer-to-peer learning are the types of support that cities most desire. Only 6 percent of surveyed cities said they do not need any assistance. Access to funding and addressing transport challenges are the two key drivers for cities developing SUMPs.

For more information and to read the full report, click here.