
Urban Mobility
Improving quality of life, health and opportunity in cities through sustainable and safe transport and urban design.
Urban mobility issues affect climate emissions and air quality, but also go beyond pollution to affect quality of life and economic opportunity for a growing majority of the world’s population.
Traffic fatalities claim over one million lives each year and are projected to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2030. In many cities of the Global South, fewer than half of all residents have access to a significant number of jobs within an hour’s travel time. With transport accounting for 14% of global carbon emissions, urban mobility systems play a major role in creating a sustainable and more equitable future.
WRI helps cities design and operate cleaner, safer, more efficient and more accessible mobility systems.
We promote high-quality, integrated public transportation systems that include bus rapid transit (BRT), urban buses, informal transport, micromobility, autonomous vehicles and more. We encourage shifts to more active mobility options, like bicycling and walking, and public spaces that safely accommodate these modes. And we help cities navigate the transition to cleaner-burning fuels and electric vehicles.
From redesigning dangerous intersections to piloting “complete streets” transformations and advising on the integration of bike networks, we take a tailored, localized approach, collaborating directly with cities and local partners. Through global efforts like Vision Zero, formal policy and legislative changes and new research, we also work to influence the enabling environment at the national and international levels.
Together with partners, we prevent deadly traffic crashes, encourage healthy lifestyles, reduce exposure to air pollution and expand socioeconomic opportunity for more residents and businesses.
Urban Mobility Topics
Featured Urban Mobility Projects
Safe & Sustainable Mobility: Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety
Reducing road traffic fatalities and injuries through a comprehensive, data-driven approach.
Part of CitiesDigital Transport for Africa
A collaborative digital commons supporting urban mobility projects in Africa through open standardized data, open-source software and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing.
Part of CitiesVision Zero Challenge
Challenging city leaders to save lives by taking bold actions on road safety.
Part of CitiesMobility and Accessibility Program
Improving quality of life through sustainable transport and mobility solutions
Part of CitiesNUMO, the New Urban Mobility Alliance
Channeling tech-based disruptions in urban transport to create joyful cities where sustainable and just mobility is the new normal
Part of CitiesBeijing Low-Emission Zone
Reducing air pollution and public health costs through strategic low emissions areas
Part of CitiesWorld Resources Report: Towards a More Equal City
A new approach to cities that prioritizes equitable access to services would improve billions of lives, generate economic prosperity and create environmental benefits for all.
Part of Cities