Riga's people-centred approach to sustainable urban mobility

Riga’s transition towards sustainable urban mobility is guided by its long-term Strategy and planned Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP), which sets long-term priorities for walking, cycling, public transport and reduced car dependency. The SUMP will provide a strategic framework linking climate targets, public health, spatial quality and social inclusion, ensuring that mobility projects contribute not only to transport efficiency but also to overall quality of life.

Brasa mobility hub as a catalyst for active travel

Riga plans to use the Brasa train station mobility hub and its surrounding public space as a catalyst for shifting everyday mobility habits. By combining pedestrian and cycling infrastructure with high‑quality public space design, the project encourages active travel and improves neighbourhood liveability.

The Brasa area has been identified as requiring better integration between transport infrastructure and public space, as well as safer and more attractive conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Riga is developing the Brasa mobility hub and the adjacent public space around Brasas tilts. The project is planned to include new walking and cycling infrastructure, greenery, lighting and urban furniture, explicitly targeting behavioural change and everyday active mobility. Implementation is planned by the end of 2026.

Reconnecting city districts with a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Zunda Canal

A new pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Zunda Canal will reconnect key urban areas and close missing links in Riga’s active mobility network, supporting continuous, safe and attractive cycling routes. The bridge strengthens network continuity, improves safety and makes cycling a realistic option for everyday trips, not only recreation.

Currently the lack of direct and safe crossings limits daily walking and cycling connections between neighbourhoods on the left bank of the Daugava.

Riga has launched the design phase of a pedestrian and cycling bridge over the Zunda Canal within a broader project developing regional and city‑level cycling routes (Rīga–Babīte–Piņķi, Rīga–Ulbroka, Rīga–Ķekava). Implementation is foreseen by mid‑2026.

Revitalising waterfronts – 11. novembra Krastmala

Riga plans to transform its riverfront into an active, accessible and attractive urban space that reconnects the historic centre with the Daugava and promotes walking and leisure mobility. The waterfront is envisioned as a multifunctional urban space supporting walking, recreation and economic activity.

The riverfront lacked strong pedestrian connections and public space quality, limiting its everyday use by residents and visitors. The city has initiated technical studies to redevelop 11. novembra Krastmala between the Vanšu and Railway bridges, focusing on pedestrian links, public access to the water and urban quality.

Neighbourhood‑scale active mobility – Ķengarags park and promenade

By developing parks and river promenades in Ķengarags, Riga plans to strengthen safe walking routes, everyday recreation and local mobility in neighbourhoods outside the city centre. The area has been identified as requiring better pedestrian safety, clearer routes and a stronger connection between green spaces and everyday mobility.

Riga has prepared Concept plan for the development of Ķengarags park and promenade, focusing on pedestrian safety, access to the river, local mobility organisation and climate‑friendly solutions. Implementation is planned from 2026–2027, subject to funding.

Bicycle route Riga–Ulbroka

This 5 km cycling route connects the most densely populated microdistrict of Purvciems with the city center and extends toward Pļavnieki, reaching the municipal boundary of Riga. It enables both local residents and suburban residents to commute by bicycle. The route is designed as a curbside protected bidirectional bike lane, featuring raised crossings at unsignalised intersections to clearly signal cyclist priority.  

Lessons learnt

• Integrating mobility planning with public space development increases public acceptance and use.
• Temporary interventions are effective tools to demonstrate benefits before permanent changes.
• Coordinated planning across departments is essential for delivering complex, people‑centred projects.
• Mobility hubs work best when combined with attractive public space.
• Investments in comfort and design are essential for behaviour change
• Network continuity is critical for cycling uptake.
• Strategic links can multiply the impact of existing infrastructure.
• Neighbourhood‑scale projects are essential for equitable mobility.
• Green infrastructure strengthens both mobility and quality of life.
• Waterfronts are strategic assets for promoting active mobility.
• Public space quality is essential to unlock their full potential.

Next steps

• Continue expanding coherent walking and cycling networks across the city and neighbourhoods.
• Implement planned street redevelopments and waterfront projects starting from 2026–2027.
• Further strengthen data collection and monitoring to measure impacts on emissions, safety and modal split.
• Use European Mobility Week as a yearly testing ground for innovative, low‑carbon mobility solutions. 

Riga, Latvia

Covenant Signatory since 2008

Population: 610.780

Area covered: 304km2

Key Covenant Figures

Overall CO2 emissions reduction target:

• 95 % GHG emissions reductions by 2050 

Type of activity