THE ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN TRAVEL

• Published in: Ekológia Bratislava Vol. 25; pp. 3 - 15
• Main Author: Bezak, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bratislava Institute of Landscape Ecology 01.01.2006
• Subjects: Environmental objective
• ISSN: 1335-342X; 1337-947X

Organization of urban space including transport system belongs to the most important themes in contemporary changing society. Most of us travel every day, even if only locally. Daily urban travel demands cause number of negative elements with influence on everyday life of the city inhabitants. And we need an efficient transport system, but the way we travel is damaging our towns and cities. Increased traffic, and speed, have made our streets more threatening for pedestrians and cyclists. Children's freedom to play, or to walk or cycle to school unaccompanied has been severely curtailed. We walk less than we used to and cycling, other than for leisure, is mostly left to a few enthusiasts (Department for Transport, Government of UK, 1998). Environmental aspect of the present urban travel is the topic presented in this paper. Important base for analysing urban travel must be reviewing whole range of impacts on the environment, including natural and built environment. Considering indicators of transport and environment reporting mechanism could be a proper assistance in their relations. Due to serious extent of environmental problems in urban surroundings implementing sustainable transport system was recognized. Various policies and strategies for sustainable urban travel are in the process of applying in the European context. Implementing some important European policies, together with examples of actions and activities have been taken in the urban travel, is also a subject of discussion.