Transportation is a basic, fundamental need, and how we travel, especially in cities, really matters. Increasing rates of motorization, especially in the rapidly-urbanizing Global South, have led to a global increase in road injuries and fatalities. Longer commutes, increased traffic congestion, and major increases in on-demand taxis and freight have made the transport sector the fastest-growing source of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Increased road building and sprawl have exacerbated social inequality, isolating the poor from economic opportunity in far-flung areas.
For 35 years, ITDP has been working to create better, people-centered streets that prioritize walking, cycling, and transit above private cars. Cities that are designed in this way, with reliable, quality public transport networks, massively improve the quality of life for all citizens, especially low-income residents, who can enjoy greater access to the economic opportunity, culture, and community that cities offer. Safer streets encourage active mobility, improving physical and mental health. More trips with cycling, walking, or public transport mean fewer trips with cars, reducing pollution and GHG emissions, improving air quality and enhancing social equity.
ITDP works in all types of cities on four continents, with head offices in China, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico and the United States. Our teams include architects, urban planners, leading transport experts, cycling activists, real estate developers, data scientists, and policy specialists working directly with local governments to make visible, on-the-ground improvements. Our extensive resources for cities, planners, policymakers, and activists include technical reports, guides, standards, videos, infographics, and white papers on everything from bus rapid transit to e-scooter policies.