Mobility sphere Interview Social Cohesion

How does mobility contribute to promoting social cohesion?

Barbara Stoll, Director at Clean Cities Rédigé le June 17, 2024

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Barbara Stoll: “We know that today’s society is more divided than ever for many reasons, including the rise of social media and technology, which reduce real opportunities to connect. Urban mobility and the way cities are designed have a huge impact on social cohesion and on how people can come together in real life — not through a screen. I am personally passionate about this topic because urban design and mobility influence human happiness: for example, major roads that cut through neighborhoods literally divide communities, depriving them of opportunities to talk or walk together. Municipal leaders have the responsibility to shape well‑being and social cohesion through city design. This cohesion cannot work without a just transition that includes the most marginalized. It is essential to care for those living in the most polluted areas, near the busiest roads, ensuring they have the same travel opportunities and are no longer forced to breathe toxic air that causes health problems. There are many ways to achieve this: for example, the social leasing scheme in France, which allows low‑income families to access an electric vehicle for an affordable amount. We also need affordable public transport for everyone and must guarantee accessibility — both geographical (proximity to stations) and physical, for example for people with disabilities.”

Barbara Stoll, Clean Cities Campaign Director, explains how mobility strengthens social cohesion.

We know that today's society is more divided than ever. One of the main reasons for this is the rise of social medias and technology. Individuals have far fewer opportunities to connect in real life, or they choose not to because they're busy with their devices. Social medias have also given rise to polarized points of view.

Urban mobility, our cities, and the way they are built, have a huge impact on social cohesion and bringing people together. They shape spaces where people can really connect in real life. Urban design and mobility have a huge impact on happiness and human relationships. If you take the example of cities crossed by giant roads, we can see that this literally divides communities. People can no longer get together, chat, sit on benches, walk together. Urban decision-makers therefore have a responsibility: the design of our cities and the means we give citizens to get around influence their well-being, happiness and social cohesion.

We need a fair transition to foster social cohesion. Several levers are available to ensure the inclusion of the most marginalized individuals in this transition, and there is a significant gap between where we are now and where we need to be. It is absolutely essential that we support those individuals who need help, especially those who live near roads with high levels of pollution. Our cities must give everyone the same opportunities, the same options, and the same means of getting around.

There are several ways of achieving this goal. In France, there is the leasing system, which enables the most modest families to have access to an electric vehicle for a relatively attractive price. Another important solution would be access to affordable public transport. We can also raise the question of accessibility: are train stations close enough to all the city's inhabitants? Can people with disabilities easily access these vehicles?

This is an extremely important issue.