topic
Good news about Urban planning
Positive stories about Urban planning, gathered from the newsrooms Rally reads. Every headline links back to the publisher who reported it.
49 stories.
A new cycling plan for Paris aims for 'zero deaths and zero serious injuries on the road'
Paris is expanding its bike network with 140 kilometers of new lanes, building on the existing 454 kilometers, and will improve 420 intersections to make cycling safer. The plan aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on the road, creating a more secure and inviting space for cyclists. This is a significant step toward a more sustainable and people-friendly city.
Le Monde
Pampered city trees deal with stress better than their country cousins
City trees, despite facing pollution and extreme heat, have developed resilience to challenges like pests, diseases, and vandalism. Their ability to adapt offers hope for urban environments. This shows nature can thrive even in tough conditions.
Grist
3,000 more buses, wider footpaths planned to boost Bengaluru public transport: Maheshwar Rao
Bengaluru is expanding its public transport with 3,000 more buses and wider footpaths, making commutes easier and safer for residents. This investment in infrastructure will help reduce congestion and improve access to reliable transit, benefiting daily commuters and the city as a whole.
The Hindu
Over two years after approval, BMRCL invites global firms for Namma Metro Phase-3 Orange Line consultancy
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Phase-3 is moving forward with global firms invited to consult on the project. The new line aims to ease traffic on busy routes like the Outer Ring Road West and Magadi Road, offering relief to commuters. This step brings the city closer to a more connected and less congested future.
The Hindu
PUBLIC MEMORY: Street-level legacy — putting Joburg’s cultural champions on the map
Johannesburg’s renaming of Newtown streets honors cultural figures, ensuring their legacies live on beyond archives. By embedding their names in the city, the initiative celebrates their contributions and makes their stories visible to all. It’s a powerful way to recognize and preserve local heritage.
Daily Maverick
Coimbatore Corporation plans to end conventional dumping of garden waste at Vellalore
Coimbatore is moving away from traditional garden waste dumping, a step that could reduce pollution and improve waste management. This shift benefits residents and the environment by promoting more sustainable practices. It’s a positive change for urban cleanliness and ecological health.
The Hindu
Where is Europe’s greenest city? Eight finalists announced for 2028 and three are in Spain
Eight European cities are finalists for a top EU green title, judged on climate resilience, waste management, and emissions cuts. Three Spanish cities are in the running, highlighting progress in sustainable urban development. The competition encourages cities to strengthen their environmental efforts.
Euronews
Over 5,000 turn up at Joo Chiat Road on Oct 3 as it closes to traffic to mark World Car-Free Day
For the first time, a neighborhood outside the city center closed to traffic for World Car-Free Day, giving people space to walk, bike, and enjoy the streets without vehicles. The event drew over 5,000 visitors, showing how communities can reclaim public spaces for healthier, more social ways of living.
The Straits Times
How the 15-minute city can shape India’s next housing boom
India’s cities are rethinking housing to prioritize convenience and connectivity, with new developments centered around employment hubs. This approach helps residents save time and reduces urban sprawl, making daily life more efficient. It’s a practical step toward smarter, more livable cities.
The Hindu
Take a Historic Stroll Down Oxford Street, London’s Shopping Artery
London is transforming a section of Oxford Street, a key part of the city’s identity, into a car-free zone. This change will make the iconic shopping artery more pleasant for pedestrians and shoppers. It’s a step toward a more welcoming and sustainable urban space.
The New York Times
How Paris, New York and Tokyo are all moving away from car-centric urban planning
Cities like Paris, New York and Tokyo are redesigning public spaces to prioritize walking, cycling and public transport, reducing reliance on cars. This shift reflects a growing global trend toward more sustainable and livable urban environments. The changes benefit residents by making cities cleaner, safer and more accessible.
Le Monde
Goodbye to the mandatory garage: Big city architecture bypasses personal parking
Barcelona has ended the requirement for new buildings to include parking, aiming to cut car use and boost sustainable transport. Experts say this step forward needs backup policies to work, but it’s a win for greener cities.
El País (English)
Playgrounds galore, butterfly walks, groceries next door: Why this mum can’t stop promoting her Tengah home
A mum in Tengah loves her neighbourhood’s design, where playgrounds, nature walks and nearby groceries make daily life easier for families. Thoughtful planning in new towns can create communities where people thrive.
The Straits Times
Land planned for housing in Tengah converted to park after consulting nature groups: HDB
In response to feedback from nature groups, land near Tengah Service Reservoir that was set for housing will instead become part of a future park. This change prioritizes green space for residents and preserves the area’s natural environment. It’s a win for both people and nature.
The Straits Times
Dirty air is killing Europeans and costing trillions. These cities prove change is possible
Cities across Europe are cutting air pollution with measures like London’s ULEZ and Sofia’s clean air zone, showing progress is possible. Cleaner air means fewer deaths and lower healthcare costs, proving small steps can make a big difference. While challenges remain, these efforts offer hope for a healthier future.
Euronews
City council to finalize Green Line LRT alignment through Calgary’s downtown next week
Earlier this month, a city committee endorsed a surface alignment into Calgary's downtown core along 10 Avenue S.W. instead of an elevated track.
Global News
Chennai’s commons belong to those who live, work and depend on them: Porombokkiyal 2026
Chennai’s Porombokkiyal 2026 initiative ensures that public spaces are accessible to those who live, work, and rely on them. By prioritizing community needs, the project strengthens local connections and fosters inclusive urban development. This approach helps create more equitable and vibrant neighborhoods.
The Hindu
Experts propose interconnected network of smart traffic signals to ease vehicular congestion
Urban mobility experts are advocating for the modernization of Mérida’s traffic signals, calling for a central, interconnected network. This initiative aims to alleviate chronic vehicular congestion in the city’s Historic Center and main corridors, improving overall traffic flow and enhancing the daily commute for residents and visitors alike.
The Yucatan Times
Spottiswoode residents get $188,000 to turn ground-up ideas into estate upgrades
(From left) IPS senior research fellow Justin Lee; Spottiswoode Park resident Jagwinder Singh, IPS research fellow Nicholas Thomas, and resident Roy Fung, pictured on Sept 4.
The Straits Times
The top 10 most walkable cities have been ranked – and seven are in Europe
A new index highlights the world’s most walkable cities, with seven European destinations topping the list. The ranking helps travelers find easy-to-explore spots, making city breaks more enjoyable and accessible. It’s good news for those who prefer to wander on foot.
Euronews
Beating the heat: Tackling the summer months in Qatar
Qatar is using advanced cooling technology and sustainable urban planning to combat extreme summer heat, keeping cities comfortable and productive. This innovation helps residents and workers thrive in a climate where temperatures regularly exceed 50°C. The approach could offer lessons for other hot regions facing similar challenges.
Euronews
Industrial spaces and homes under one roof? JTC explores idea with architects
Singapore’s JTC is working with architects to explore how industrial spaces and homes can coexist in the same area, starting with a study at an industrial site in Lorong 3 Toa Payoh. The idea could help create more efficient urban spaces and better connect communities with workplaces. This could lead to more sustainable, convenient living and working environments.
The Straits Times
Japan halves speed limit to 30km/h on all narrow city streets
Japan has cut speed limits from 60km/h to 30km/h on most narrow urban roads to improve safety in crowded cities. The change aims to protect pedestrians and reduce accidents on busy streets. It’s a practical step toward making city travel safer for everyone.
The Guardian
E-challans for littering in Lahore markets
Lahore is cracking down on littering with a new e-challan system, making it easier to penalize offenders. Stricter fines and penalties for burning waste aim to keep public spaces cleaner. This step could help reduce pollution and improve the city’s environment for everyone.
Dawn
Damascus goes car-free for 24 hours
Damascus’ Old City closed its streets to cars for a day, letting residents walk freely without traffic, noise, or pollution. The trial could lead to a more pedestrian-friendly city by 2030, offering a quieter, cleaner urban experience. It’s a small but hopeful step toward reimagining shared spaces.
Al Jazeera
The Singapore strategies
Singapore’s climate-controlled conservatories and Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay create sustainable spaces that help people connect with nature. These innovative designs offer a cooler, greener environment, showing how urban areas can adapt to climate challenges while enhancing public well-being.
Aeon
Manhattan’s flood walls are almost done. What will Mamdani do next?
New York City is nearing completion of flood walls to protect its 500 miles of coastline, safeguarding homes, businesses, and a million residents. The mayor must now decide which vulnerable areas, from Queens’ marshes to Manhattan’s Financial District, get priority. This investment in resilience will help the city adapt to rising tides and storms.
Grist
Seeking refuge in the catacombs of the early Christians: Rome’s solution to the heat
Rome is turning its ancient catacombs into cooling spaces to combat the heat, offering refuge to residents. By repurposing historical sites, the city is creating practical solutions for modern challenges. It’s a clever way to preserve heritage while improving daily life.
El País (English)
What makes a happier, healthier Melbourne? Tell us what you think
Melbourne residents are being invited to share their ideas on how to make the city healthier and happier, with a focus on suburb design, home standards, and walkability. The upcoming Melbourne Assembly will bring together people and ideas to shape the city’s future, giving locals a chance to contribute. This effort highlights a commitment to community-driven urban planning.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Along a Vistula River withered by extreme heat, Poles keep cool and carry on
As Europe faces extreme heat, Warsaw’s Vistula River offers a cooling escape. Urban beaches provide relief, showing how cities can adapt to rising temperatures. This practical solution helps residents stay comfortable and highlights the river’s value in tough summers.
The Globe and Mail
Sheltered linkway to connect Tanjong Pagar CC to MRT station in a few years’ time
The move will provide residents of the Pinnacle@Duxton, Tanjong Pagar Plaza and other developments in the area greater access to the station, said Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Foo Cexiang.
The Straits Times
Free camp for rough sleepers to be established in public park
The City of Moreton Bay has approved a 12-month trial to offer safe, regulated camping for homeless people in a public park. The camp will provide shelter in an area already used by rough sleepers, near a future 2032 Olympic venue. This initiative aims to support vulnerable individuals with a structured, temporary solution.
The Sydney Morning Herald
Paris tightens rules on electric scooters and other rideables
Paris is enforcing new safety rules for e-scooters and similar rideables, requiring helmets and reflective gear. The changes aim to reduce accidents as crashes involving these devices rise. The measures will help keep riders safer while using these popular modes of transport.
Euronews
THE CONVERSATION: How local parks and community gardens can help cities adapt to climate change
Climate change is creating challenges for cities, but it also offers opportunities for adaptation, especially in fast-growing urban areas of sub-Saharan Africa. Local parks and community gardens can help cities respond to global warming in innovative ways, improving resilience and quality of life. This approach highlights how urban spaces can be part of the solution.
Daily Maverick
London mayor orders council to drop plan to ban new pubs and bars in Soho and West End
London’s mayor has urged the council to abandon plans to block new pubs and bars in Soho and the West End, prioritizing nightlife and economic growth instead. The move protects the area’s vibrant culture and supports businesses that rely on a thriving nighttime economy. It’s a win for workers, visitors, and the local community.
The Guardian
Harvesting rainwater from rooftops could cut the number of heatwave days and reduce air con reliance
A simple but powerful idea could help cities stay cooler and use less energy. By collecting rainwater from rooftops and using it for cooling, urban areas could reduce extreme heat and cut reliance on air conditioning. This offers a practical way to tackle rising temperatures and lower energy demand.
Euronews
Urban landscapes can boost storms—or break them up
Cities can influence storms in unexpected ways, either intensifying or weakening them. Understanding these effects helps urban planners better prepare for extreme weather. The findings could lead to smarter city designs that reduce storm risks.
Scientific American
How Being Cool Is Making The Hague a Vacation Hot Spot
The Hague is becoming a popular summer destination as tourists seek relief from Europe’s heat waves. While the influx brings new energy to the city, officials are carefully managing the surge to prevent overcrowding. This balance could help sustain its appeal as a cool, welcoming escape.
The New York Times
Closing down streets so children can play
In Leeds, streets are being temporarily closed to traffic so kids have more space to safely play - an initiative proving beneficial to both children and adults.
BBC News
4 new MRT stations to be built for Cross Island Line; interchanges at Jurong Pier, Gul Circle
The Cross Island Line will play a critical role in the rail network, with 11 interchange stations that connect to all existing MRT lines.
The Straits Times
LTA studying feasibility of Bus Rapid Transit system for Tuas South
Singapore’s LTA is exploring a Bus Rapid Transit system for Tuas South to offer a faster, medium-capacity transport option. It would work alongside the MRT and regular buses, giving residents and workers a more efficient way to travel. This could ease congestion and improve connectivity in the area.
The Straits Times
Corsica's 'fight against Airbnb-ization' claims to have returned 233 homes to 'year-round residents'
Bastia has introduced a policy to restore homes to year-round residents by enforcing a "resident status" rule. The move aims to combat short-term rentals and prioritize local housing. It reflects broader efforts in Corsica to protect communities from over-tourism.
Le Monde
Three storeys everywhere: The radical plan to drive down house prices
The Productivity Commission’s plan would allow three-storey developments in suburbs and high-rises near transport hubs, making housing more affordable. This could ease the cost of living for many Australians by increasing housing supply. The proposal challenges the dominance of single-storey homes in sprawling suburbs.
The Sydney Morning Herald
'Respect the City': How Dubrovnik is managing overtourism without losing its charm
Dubrovnik is using data and staggered visitor arrivals to manage overtourism while keeping its charm. The approach aims to preserve the city for future visitors and locals alike. It’s a thoughtful way to balance popularity with sustainability.
Euronews
Designing buildings with maintenance features can help cut upkeep, manpower costs: Chee Hong Tat
A new study found that designing buildings with built-in maintenance features can reduce upkeep costs and manpower needs. The approach, tested in four Singapore buildings, offers a practical way to make maintenance more efficient. This could help building owners and managers save time and resources while keeping properties in good condition.
The Straits Times
'Lisbon is not a sauna': Environmentalists demand climate shelters throughout Portugal
Environmental groups in Portugal are pushing for climate shelters to protect people from deadly heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and severe. Their open letter calls for urgent action to adapt cities, offering hope for safer urban spaces in the face of rising temperatures. This could save lives and improve resilience in communities most at risk.
Euronews
Singapore footpath wars: Why reclaiming car space could solve the PMD and PMA problem
Singapore’s crowded pavements could be eased by reclaiming car lanes for micro-mobility like PMDs and PMAs, rather than cracking down on riders. This approach would make streets safer and more accessible for everyone, offering a practical solution to urban transport challenges. By prioritizing shared space, the city could reduce conflicts and improve mobility for all.
The Straits Times
[In This Economy] Why Singapore moves while Metro Manila doesn’t
Singapore’s efficient rail system shows how careful planning and long-term commitment can create reliable infrastructure, even without vast wealth. The approach offers lessons for cities like Metro Manila, where similar improvements could transform daily life for millions. It’s a reminder that smart policies can drive progress beyond economic resources alone.
Rappler
Micro freight sector has outgrown pavements and now needs dedicated hubs
Cities are using data from delivery apps to plan better infrastructure for bike couriers, improving working conditions. Targeted hubs and amenities can be created quickly, offering a practical solution to the growing demand for micro freight. This helps drivers and keeps deliveries moving smoothly.
Daily Maverick
