The 15-minute city is a concept that puts people and the planet first

A 15-minute city is a term coined by Paris-based urbanist Carlos Moreno. It’s used to describe an idyllic neighborhood where everything one needs, whether work, food, housing, cultural activities or education, is within easy reach.

This idea is transforming urban planning and design and has captured the imagination of cities around the world because there are so many benefits. Lower transportation costs, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, happier and healthier people.

It’s an idea, however difficult for some jurisdictions to achieve, that didn’t seem to have a down side. That is until the conspiracy theorists walked up and uttered a collective, hold my beer.

Now, the 15-minute city is being painted by some as a far-fetched way to curtail freedoms, think climate communism or something like that, to keep people from moving freely around of their own volition.

It’s ridiculous, of course. Who wouldn’t want to spend less time driving and, mostly, sitting in traffic? Who wouldn’t want to contribute to curtailing the climate crisis before it wipes us all out? Apparently, quite a few, including those that came to prominence during the pandemic to rail against the evils of life-saving vaccines.

The 15-minute city is one of those concepts being lumped in with other tyrannical groups like the C40 Cities, or the World Economic Forum. You know the types.

Vibrant city life when people are put ahead of automobiles in the planning process

Moreno, for one, isn’t bothered by it, he told Forbes, despite being constantly under attack from the tin foil hat set.

“It does not affect me,” he stated in an email.

“I remain in high spirits; I am very proud to see the ideas of a researcher from the Sorbonne going around the world.”

The truth is that living in a 15-minute city means quite simply that you don’t have to go anywhere further afield for necessities of a good life if you don’t want to. And, the fact is, most people don’t want to commute to work, or drive across town for groceries or medical care if they can get it right down the street. Who would?

The 15-minute city can trace its roots back to the urban planning movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It’s actually something that existed long before freeways ripped the countryside to shreds. These movements emphasized the importance of creating cities that were safe, healthy, and accessible for all residents, regardless of income or social status. However, in recent decades, cities around the world have become increasingly focused on car-centric urban design, which has led to sprawling suburbs, long commutes, and traffic congestion.

This concept aims to reverse this car-dependent trend that has caused so much damage and put people back at the center of urban design. The idea behind the 15-minute city is that cities can be designed to prioritize the well-being and convenience of its citizens, while reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. In short, the 15-minute city is about creating livable, sustainable, and equitable communities.

The 15-minute city concept first came to prominence in Paris, where it was championed by the city’s mayor, Anne Hidalgo. In her efforts to make Paris a more livable, sustainable, and equitable city, Mayor Hidalgo embraced the 15-minute city concept and made it a central component of her vision for the city’s future. Paris has since become a model for other cities looking to implement similar plans.

To achieve the goal of the 15-minute city, Paris has implemented a number of measures, including expanding pedestrian and bike lanes, improving public transportation, and creating more green spaces, but also taking that space away from automobiles by taking lanes, street parking spaces or entire streets and giving them over for other uses. These measures have not only made the city more livable, but have also had a positive impact on the local economy and the environment. For example, by reducing traffic congestion, Paris has been able to reduce air pollution, making the city a healthier place to live.

Paris was the first to embrace the 15-minute city concept although the original idea has been around a long time

The popularity of the 15-minute city concept has been growing in recent years, with cities around the world, including Melbourne, Sydney, and Vancouver, exploring ways to implement the concept in their own communities. The benefits of a 15-minute city are numerous and can have a significant impact on the lives of residents. By providing easy access to essential services, amenities, and leisure activities, cities can improve the health and well-being of their citizens, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable and equitable urban development.

However, implementing the 15-minute city concept is not without challenges. Cities need to make significant investments in infrastructure and public transportation, which can be expensive and time-consuming. In addition, cities need to overcome opposition from those who are attached to car-centric urban design.

Despite these challenges, the 15-minute city is a concept that all cities can benefit from. By creating livable, sustainable, and equitable communities, cities can make life better for their residents and set an example for other cities around the world. Moreover, by investing in the 15-minute city, cities can position themselves for long-term success in an ever-changing world.

Hopefully, the conspiracy theorists will come to understand that the concept is the exact opposite of curtailing freedoms. It’s about making life better and more equitable for everyone. Yes, it will take time.

But, the 15-minute city is a concept that is both simple and powerful. It’s about creating cities that are livable, sustainable, and equitable and putting people back at the center of urban design. The best thing to do is demand local politicians embrace this idea, advocate for bike lanes, for more pedestrian spaces, for programs like Vision Zero. Demand that your city puts the health and well-being of its people first and foremost when making decisions.

Whether you live in the world, the 15-minute city is an idea that can benefit you and your community.