Rustam Minnikhanov visits lecture of a world expert in the sphere of urban planning

On December 9 Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, members of Tatarstan Government, employees of Kazan executive committee, architects and other specialists listened to a lecture of a world expert in the sphere of urban planning, ex-Mayor of Bagota, Board Chairman of Institute for Transportation and Development Policy Enrique Peñalosa.

On December 8 Enrique Peñalosa met with Rustam Minnikhanov and walked around Kazan.

According to Enrique Peñalosa, a comfortable city is one of main conditions to make people happy. However, economic growth does not make the city comfortable for living. Only due to comfortable environment the city can be economically developed. Moreover, urban environment should be comfortable for all citizens regardless of their wellbeing. It is especially important for cities with high level of social inequality.

However, environment for people and cars come against each other. Enrique Peñalosa supposes that pedestrians have the advantage. Modern approaches in urban planning provide wide pedestrian zones by reducing the number of motor roads, development of park zones, and other elements of public space.

Enrique Peñalosa believes that embankment areas are very important for comfortable urban environment, and they must be open for the public. Walking sites cannot be replaced by shopping malls.

The expert focused on transport problems as well. In his opinion, construction of big highways and junctions do not help to solve problems connected with traffic jams, they only attract more cars. Instead of highways Enrique Peñalosa offered creating wide boulevards, like Champs Elysees in Paris. Along with traffic restrictions, authorities should provide good conditions in public transport. Cycle lanes are also important in the city, because it is the symbol of social equity.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov agreed that construction of new junctions is just a temporary measure for dealing with traffic problems.

Enrique Peñalosa noted that the first step to be made by Kazan authorities is to avoid broadening of the city area. Alternatively, it should be developed closer to the centre so that people can easily go to any remote area by public transport.

Enrique Peñalosa considers the historical centre to be the treasure of Tatarstan capital. To make this area comfortable for living, bus lanes and pedestrian zones should be provided there.