Restoring Roads for Residents: Implementing Car-Light Policies in Buenos Aires Streets
In the heart of Buenos Aires, the Plan Microcentro, initiated in 2011, set out to transform the city center, including the Microcentro area that covers 92 blocks, 1.4 km, 13 subway stations, and 44 public bus lines. Led by Clara Muzzio, this ambitious project aimed to make the city more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable.
Muzzio encourages cities to take bold steps and adapt to the demands of the planet and the pandemic. In Buenos Aires, efforts have been made in various fields, including transit redesign, public space management, pedestrian priority areas, waste management, restoration of heritage buildings, and boosting the economy.
One of the key strategies in making a large city like Buenos Aires more pedestrian-friendly is the creation of wider, safer sidewalks and traffic calming measures. By expanding sidewalks, reducing vehicle speeds, and managing traffic flows, pedestrian safety and comfort are significantly improved. Muzzio's team successfully transformed the Microcentro area into a pedestrianized zone with broader sidewalks and vehicle use restrictions.
Another strategy involves greening and buffering public spaces. Planting trees, pollinator-friendly vegetation, and creating physical barriers between pedestrians and traffic help create a safer, more attractive walking environment. This also supports environmental benefits and aesthetic improvement.
The creation of social and recreational amenities, such as seating, play spaces, picnic tables, and public art, encourages longer, more frequent pedestrian stays, making walking an appealing activity rather than just a mode of transit.
Integration with public transport is another crucial aspect. Buenos Aires's extensive Subte (metro) system, combined with pedestrian-friendly access points, encourages seamless multimodal mobility, reducing reliance on cars and fostering walkable neighborhoods.
However, implementing these strategies faces challenges. Urban complexity and scale, traffic and mobility trade-offs, funding and political will, and balancing cultural traditions and change are among the obstacles. Muzzio advises a multifaceted approach that combines physical improvements, greenery, cultural programming, and strong community participation while strategically managing these challenges.
Muzzio, a female leader, feels the responsibility to lead authentically and contribute to bridging the gender gap. She finds it rewarding to see the positive impact of her work on the lives of citizens, particularly the elderly, who can now walk around the city without fear of tripping and falling.
In conclusion, the successful completion of the Plan Microcentro project has led to implementing similar changes in other parts of the city. Buenos Aires is following the "Cities for People" approach, which includes actions such as quality maintenance and widening of sidewalks, installing a public biking system, adding greenery, and giving space to food trucks, street art, and decks with tables and chairs. The city has been investing in making itself more walkable, human-centered, and enjoyable for over a decade.
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