BizkaiaGipuzkoaArabaVitoria-GasteizLlanada AlavesaRioja AlavesaMontaña AlavesaValles AlavesesCantábrica AlavesaEstribaciones del GorbeaDonostialdeaBidasoaTolosaldeaGoierriUrola KostaDebagoienaDebabarrenaGran BilbaoDurangaldeaLea-ArtibaiBusturialdeaUribe KostaEnkarterriArratia-NerviónMungialdeaBizkaiaGipuzkoaArabaVitoria-GasteizLlanada AlavesaRioja AlavesaMontaña AlavesaValles AlavesesCantábrica AlavesaEstribaciones del GorbeaDonostialdeaBidasoaTolosaldeaGoierriUrola KostaDebagoienaDebabarrenaGran BilbaoDurangaldeaLea-ArtibaiBusturialdeaUribe KostaEnkarterriArratia-NerviónMungialdea
EU|ES|EN

Diario Euskadi

Challenges of Sustainable Mobility Analyzed in Urola Erdia

Experts present data and proposals in Azkoitia to achieve a more balanced coexistence between cars and pedestrians.

Generic image of a pedestrian crossing sign on a street, with blurred cars and people in the background, in a Basque town.
IA

Generic image of a pedestrian crossing sign on a street, with blurred cars and people in the background, in a Basque town.

At the Oteiza hall of Elkargune in Azkoitia, experts delivered a lecture on sustainable mobility, analyzing the challenges for a more balanced coexistence between vehicles and pedestrians in the Urola Erdia region.

Ander Gortazar, Professor of Urban Planning at the UPV/EHU, Ibon Rosales, municipal architect of Lasarte-Oria, and Diego Gomez, geographer and expert in mobility studies from INTRA, participated in the session, moderated by journalist Andoni Elduaien of Guka. The talk was part of the “Urola Erdia in the Mirror” campaign, launched by Iraurgi Berritzen and Laiene, aiming to promote sustainability and reflect on climate change.
Gomez, an expert in sustainable mobility diagnostics for Azkoitia and Urola Erdia, presented significant data. Over the last decade, while the region's population grew by 2.6%, the number of vehicles increased by 11.4%. In Azkoitia, the disparity is even greater: between 2014 and 2023, there was a 12.3% increase in vehicles, while the population only grew by 1.5%.
The geographer explained that 62% of journeys in the region occur within the municipalities themselves, and 59% are for work or study. Most concerning is that half of the region's citizens make journeys of five minutes or less in private vehicles. Therefore, Gomez identified “promoting active modes” for trips under 15 minutes and reducing car use as a fundamental challenge.
“

"Promoting active modes for journeys under 15 minutes and reducing car use is a challenge."

Diego Gomez · Geographer and INTRA member
During the conference, there was also reflection on mobility and the negotiation of public space. Gortazar cited international examples and highlighted that removing a parking space for cars creates space for twelve people. Experts emphasized the need for “political courage” to balance the coexistence between vehicles and pedestrians, as well as compliance with universal accessibility laws.
This session was the first in a cycle of conferences on mobility, energy, and territorial planning. The second talk will take place on April 21st in Zestoa, addressing the topic “Can energy sovereignty be achieved?”, and the cycle will conclude on April 28th in Azpeitia with the question “What energy model does Azpeitia want?”. These conferences will serve as a starting point for participatory workshops to be held in each municipality, where citizens can analyze the regional and local situation and propose solutions.

Related News