Urban Mobility, 15-Minute Cities, And Non-Motorized Transport: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Urban Transport Planning and Human-Centric City Development

Abstract

Urbanization has transformed cities into complex ecosystems where transportation plays a central role in determining quality of life, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity. Rapid motorization has led to traffic congestion, air pollution, and spatial inequity. Consequently, global urban planning trends are shifting toward sustainable mobility paradigms such as the “15-minute city” model and the promotion of non-motorized transport (NMT). This paper explores the interlinkages between urban mobility, the 15-minute city concept, and non-motorized transport systems, emphasizing their roles in enhancing accessibility, reducing emissions, and improving urban resilience. The study highlights key principles, design strategies, global and Indian case studies, and implementation challenges. It also identifies future research directions and policy frameworks necessary for transforming cities into more inclusive, compact, and pedestrian-friendly environments.

KEYWORDS: Urban Mobility; 15-Minute City; Non-Motorized Transport; Sustainable Urban Planning; Active Mobility; Urban Resilience; TransitOriented Development; Walkability