Supporting Sustainable Mobility in Pärnu City Centre

The “Sustainable Mobility Supporting Pärnu City Centre” project was developed in response to growing urban mobility challenges in Pärnu, Estonia. The city faced rising traffic congestion, carbon emissions, and limited infrastructure for active mobility like walking and cycling. These issues threatened the quality of life, environmental health, and long-term sustainability of the urban centre.

The project aimed to transform Pärnu’s city centre into a safer, greener, and more accessible space. Its core objectives were to reduce car traffic and emissions, promote cycling and walking, improve public transport accessibility, and enhance the urban environment with pedestrian zones and green spaces. Public awareness campaigns were also implemented to support lasting behavioural change.

The project has led to clear environmental and social benefits. Car usage in the city centre has declined, reducing congestion and improving air quality. The use of cycling lanes increased, showing a shift towards more sustainable commuting. Socially, the project has made the city centre more vibrant, encouraging healthier lifestyles and benefiting local businesses through increased foot traffic. 

Implementation was achieved by aligning urban planning with community input and sustainability goals. Residents were engaged through consultations, and the city prioritized user-friendly design. Political support from the Pärnu City Government and financial support from the EU’s ERDF were crucial enabling factors. Public interest in climate and sustainability also helped drive acceptance and participation.

This project offers valuable lessons for other cities aiming to promote sustainable mobility through infrastructure, awareness, and inclusive planning.

The strategy is considered successful due to a measurable increase in cycling and walking, reduced car traffic in the city centre, and improved air quality. New infrastructure led to higher use of pedestrian zones and bike lanes. Traffic flow improved, and public satisfaction increased, reflecting the project’s effectiveness in promoting sustainable mobility and enhancing urban life.

The strategy implemented in Pärnu offers strong potential for transfer to other EU cities facing similar mobility and environmental challenges. Its success lies in combining infrastructure upgrades with public engagement and sustainability goals. Cities can adapt this model by prioritizing active mobilit and ensuring political and financial support. Key recommendations include starting with pilot areas, communicating clear benefits to residents, and integrating green design with mobility improvements. The Pärnu project shows that even mid-sized cities can make a significant impact by creating safer, more accessible, and environmentally friendly urban spaces. Its practical, step-by-step approach can inspire other urban authorities to rethink mobility systems and shift toward more sustainable, people-centred urban planning.

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