Urban Progress Champion Enrique Penalosa asserts that an advanced city is characterized by the wealthy using public transportation.
Enrique Peñalosa, a former mayor of Bogotá, has left a lasting impact on the city with his urban planning initiatives that prioritised sustainable transportation, reclaimed public spaces, and improved access for low-income residents.
Peñalosa's vision was rooted in the belief that city design defines human happiness, dignity, and equality. He argued that the need for equal cities is becoming increasingly important, especially as more time is spent outside homes than inside.
One of his most notable achievements was the implementation of the TransMileno Rapid Bus Transit system, which moves 2.3 million people a day along dedicated bus lanes. The focus was on prioritising the number of passengers, not their wealth, by devoting a lane to TransMileno buses only. This decision led to a significant reduction in traffic deaths by 50% during his tenure.
In an effort to promote safe walking environments and public participation in urban design, Peñalosa launched the Programa Plazas. This programme transformed underused areas into pedestrian plazas, creating inviting public spaces with traffic calming, wider sidewalks, seating, and cultural activities. These changes directly addressed the needs of traditionally underserved neighbourhoods, improving the quality of life for many residents.
Peñalosa's administration also implemented mass transit and land use reforms aimed at integrating transportation with housing for poorer populations. These efforts addressed both physical and socio-economic barriers, contributing to a more inclusive urban environment.
Notable projects during his second term included the construction of TransMiCable Cars, a Metro Rapid Transit Line, and leisure 'happiness' centres. He also turned the Country Club of Bogotá into a public park.
Despite facing opposition, Peñalosa's solid vision and committed people behind him helped him persevere. He faced two recall elections midterm during his first term, with his approval rating plummeting to 17%. However, he ended his first term with the highest approval rating of any mayor in Bogotá's history.
Peñalosa urges others to remember that power is a means, not an end, and that the focus should be on making society happier. He continues to advocate for the importance of a good city in fostering equality, economic development, and attracting and retaining bright people.
Sources:
[1] World Resources Institute. (2021). Enrique Peñalosa: A Champion for Sustainable Cities. https://www.wri.org/people/enrique-penalosa
[2] The Guardian. (2016). Enrique Peñalosa: 'A good city is crucial for equality and happiness'. https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2016/jun/06/enrique-penalosa-good-city-crucial-equality-happiness
[3] The Atlantic. (2019). The Man Who Turned Bogotá into a Model City for Urban Planning. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2019/04/enrique-penalosa-bogota-urban-planning/586661/
- Enrique Peñalosa's vision emphasized that city design influences human happiness, dignity, and equality, believing that the need for equal cities is increasingly crucial as time spent outside homes increases.
- A key achievement of Peñalosa's administration was the establishment of the TransMileno Rapid Bus Transit system, which prioritized passenger numbers over wealth, leading to a reduction of traffic-related deaths by 50%.
- To promote safe walking environments and public participation in urban design, Peñalosa initiated the Programa Plazas, transforming underused areas into pedestrian plazas, thereby improving the quality of life for many residents.
- Peñalosa's policies addressed both physical and socio-economic barriers by implementing mass transit and land use reforms, integrating transportation with housing for poorer populations, and creating a more inclusive urban environment.
- During his second term, notable projects included the construction of TransMiCable Cars, a Metro Rapid Transit Line, leisure 'happiness' centres, and the conversion of the Country Club of Bogotá into a public park.
- Despite facing opposition, Peñalosa persisted due to a solid vision and a committed team, as shown by his high approval rating at the end of his first term, despite experiencing two midterm recall elections with a plummeting approval rating of 17%.
- Peñalosa continues to advocate for a good city's importance in fostering equality, economic development, and attracting and retaining talented individuals, urging others to use power to make society happier rather than seeing power as an end.
