Towards a more liveable, accessible and sustainable city
Düzce is a fast-growing city located between Istanbul and Ankara. Home to nearly 300,000 people, it is one of the youngest cities in Türkiye in terms of population age. As urbanisation accelerates and mobility challenges increase, the city aims to become more economically vibrant, sustainable and liveable. To support this ambition, EuroMos developed a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) for Düzce, commissioned by the Turkish Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with partners LuxMobility, WRI Türkiye and Palyea Teknoloji.
A strategic framework for sustainable mobility
A SUMP provides a long-term vision for sustainable mobility, based on European guidelines and adapted to the local context. In Düzce, the plan focused on improving accessibility, safety and environmental performance, while supporting economic development and quality of life.
The process was highly collaborative, involving public engagement, stakeholder workshops, and data-driven analysis to ensure that the plan reflects the needs of residents and local institutions.
Strategic goals for Düzce
The SUMP sets out a clear vision for the city’s future mobility system, focusing on:
- Strengthening economic vitality;
- Promoting environmental sustainability;
- Supporting public health through sustainable mobility;
- Improving safety and social inclusion;
- Enhancing accessibility and attractiveness for all users.
From vision to concrete interventions
To translate these ambitions into action, the plan is structured around a set of integrated measures that reinforce one another. These were developed through surveys, stakeholder engagement and workshops with residents.
Key measures include:
- Enhancing the city centre as an attractive, people-focused area with improved pedestrian spaces and managed car access;
- Improving public transport by increasing capacity, reliability and comfort;
- Promoting walkable neighbourhoods with easy access to daily services;
- Expanding and improving cycling infrastructure to ensure safety and continuity;
- Developing mobility hubs to better connect different transport modes;
- Introducing a clear road hierarchy to improve traffic safety and flow;
- Improving accessibility for all users, including people with disabilities.
Validated through transport modelling
To evaluate the proposed measures, several mobility scenarios were analysed using Düzce’s transport model. This made it possible to assess the expected effects of measures on traffic flow, accessibility, safety and environmental performance.
Based on these insights, the most effective measures were selected and prioritised, ensuring that decisions are supported by robust analysis.
From strategy to implementation
The SUMP for Düzce provides a clear roadmap for implementation. The proposed measures are being translated into concrete projects that will be carried out in the coming years.
By combining strategic planning with data-driven analysis, the plan supports Düzce in progressing towards a more accessible, safe and sustainable mobility system.
Beneficiary: Düzce Municipality
Contracting Authority: T.R. Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure
Period of Implementation: 2023 - 2025