In the debate on urban mobility, a crucial question is whether higher speed in different modes of transport actually leads to an increase in pollution. As cities grow, the relationship between speed, efficiency, and sustainability becomes more relevant. This analysis focuses on how the average speed in cars, public transport, and micromobility affects both the environment and urban quality of life.

With the advent of technologies like electric vehicles and micromobility, questions arise about their real impact. Are these modes of transport faster and less polluting? In this post, we explore whether the pursuit of higher speed is aligned with the need to reduce the environmental footprint in our cities.

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Speed and Dynamics of Cars in Urban Areas

The speed of cars, which until recently have had a dominant presence in urban mobility, is influenced by various factors such as traffic density, traffic lights, intersections, and road quality. Additionally, external factors like weather and time of day can further affect their speed.

Since May 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a speed limit of 30 km/h in urban areas. This measure not only reduces vehicle speed but also saves lives, especially those most vulnerable like pedestrians, cyclists, children, and the elderly. Moreover, studies show that the average speed in urban areas already ranges between 20 and 30 km/h, which not only decreases the severity of accidents but also helps prevent them.

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Comparison: Public Transport Speed vs. Private Transport

At first glance, private transport may seem faster than public transport, but the reality in urban environments is more complex due to the following factors:

• ‍Speed and Efficiency: Although cars can reach higher speeds, factors like traffic and traffic lights reduce their effective speed. In contrast, public transport, especially in dedicated lanes, can maintain a constant and predictable speed.‍
• Passenger Capacity: A bus or train can transport dozens or even hundreds of people, while a car usually carries only one or two. This means that public transport, although slower on average, is more efficient in terms of capacity and congestion.

"The average car occupancy rate is 1.4 passengers" (Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility. Government of Spain)

• ‍Urban Space Usage: Public transport occupies less space per passenger compared to private cars. This frees up space in cities for more sustainable uses, such as pedestrian areas, bike lanes, and green spaces, which contribute to improving urban quality of lif

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• Environmental Impact: By moving more people with fewer vehicles, public transport significantly reduces per capita emissions. This is crucial for reducing pollution and the carbon footprint in cities.

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• Average Speed: Typical speed in urban areas.
• Passenger Capacity: Average number of people that can be transported.
• Urban Space Usage: Amount of space occupied in urban infrastructure.
• Environmental Impact: Level of CO₂ and other emissions, based on approximate data.
• Congestion Efficiency: Effectiveness in reducing traffic and congestion.

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Micromobility: A New Player in Urban Efficiency

Micromobility, which includes electric bikes, scooters, and other light vehicles, is emerging as an efficient and sustainable alternative for short distances in urban environments:

• ‍Speed and Accessibility: Micromobility vehicles, such as electric scooters and bikes, have a lower average speed than cars but are highly efficient for short trips. Did you know that 60% of car trips are for distances less than 8 kilometers? (Sergio Díez, Co-founder and Director of Connected Mobility Hub). Micromobility’s ability to navigate traffic and use dedicated lanes allows it to maintain a higher effective speed compared to public transport under congested conditions.‍
• Environmental Impact: Micromobility, often powered by electricity, has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to internal combustion vehicles. Although battery production has an environmental impact, the overall use of these vehicles can be far more sustainable when considering their benefits in reducing traffic and emissions.

• ‍Integration with Public Transport: Micromobility can complement public transport by offering last-mile solutions, making it easier to access bus or train stations. This can improve the overall efficiency of the transport system by reducing the need for private vehicles on short trips and contributing to a reduction in urban congestion

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Speed and Pollution: An Inescapable Relationship

The relationship between speed and pollution is a central issue in urban sustainability:

• ‍Pollutant Emissions: At higher speeds, vehicle engines tend to be less efficient, which increases emissions of CO₂, NOx, and particulates.‍
• Fuel Consumption: At high speeds, fuel consumption rises due to aerodynamic drag and the need for more power, which increases emissions and contributes to air pollution.‍
• Accidents and Congestion: Higher speeds are associated with more accidents, which is not only dangerous but also creates more traffic and emissions due to the slowdown in traffic flow.‍
• Regulations and Public Health: Many cities are adopting Low Emission Zones (LEZ) to reduce pollution, which has proven effective in improving air quality and reducing overall traffic. These measures also have a positive impact on public health by reducing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

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Conclusion

Speed in transportation has a significant impact on urban sustainability. While private transport may offer higher speed under ideal circumstances, public transport and micromobility prove to be superior in efficiency, sustainability, and the ability to reduce congestion and pollution. To build cleaner and more livable cities, it is essential to adopt integrated approaches that balance technology, policy, and transportation habits.