The European Commission and the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition acknowledge DCN’s mobility best practices

The initiatives carried out by DCN throughout 2019 have been included as best practices for sustainable mobility on the occasion of the European Mobility Week.

The European Commission and the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge have included Distrito Castellana Norte (DCN) among the Spanish companies that promoted best practices for sustainable mobility in 2019, within the framework of the European Mobility Week. In this way, both institutions acknowledge the actions and initiatives carried out throughout the year by DCN to promote more sustainable urban commuting.

Distrito Castellana Norte understands mobility as one of the main pillars of its project: Madrid Nuevo Norte. That conviction is not limited to collaborating in the planning and execution of the action that will transform the north of Madrid in the future. DCN thinks about the present, with numerous initiatives that are developed for residents in adjacent districts, DCN employees and the general population.

DCN’s sustainable mobility actions are included both in the European Week’s report and in the Discussion Document on Best Practices issued by the Ministry. To be included, all initiatives must meet the requirements set by the organizing institutions in terms of their nature and target audience.

These are the DCN activities acknowledged as mobility best practices in 2019:

Bike Ride to Venturada

In order to unite the residents in the north of the capital with those from the towns in Sierra Norte, a 43-kilometre bike ride was organized, from Las Tablas district to Venturada. A retreat activity was also arranged, with traditional food and workshops. This activity highlighted the use of bicycles as a means of sustainable mobility, improving the quality of life and health of residents through their commuting.

Creative Workshop: “Design your Neighbourhood”

Initiative where kids from neighbourhoods in the north of Madrid designed models to convey what they want their neighbourhood to be like, focusing on green areas, playgrounds and other facilities, as well as pedestrian and cyclist mobility and other personal mobility devices: scooters, skateboards, etc.

Design your Street Sign

Kids from Fuencarral met at the local DCN information office to create street signs. In this way, pedestrian mobility was showcased, reflecting on the streets through which the little ones move. They also learnt about the history of their neighbourhood.

Urban Kids Lab

Urban laboratories were developed with more than 400 children from four different schools in the districts of Fuencarral, Las Tablas and Begoña. The project lasted three days. Students could reflect on the use of the city and put forward improvements through the construction of models with recycled materials. During the meeting, the layout of public spaces and homes and the need for sustainable mobility were addressed.

semana europea de la movilidad SEM19 2019 buenas practicas ministerio de transicion ecologica

El espacio público fue protagonista en la iniciativa Urban Kids Lab.

Walking around Chamartín

Organized jointly with the Costa Fleming Trade Association, there were two walkarounds in Chamartín district. The activity brought together local residents, and gave them the opportunity to learn about historical sites that go unnoticed in everyday life. Architects, local-history experts and neighbours reflected on the concepts of public space, providing fun facts and revealing the main features of streets, parks and buildings. The accessibility issues of Chamartín Station and its immediate surroundings became apparent during the walks.

Around Fuencarral

A walk with residents of different ages was organized through the streets of Fuencarral, guided by a local historian, under a historical and town-planning approach. This initiative aims to enhance the identity of the neighbourhood and allow attendees to explore spaces and better understand the reasons for the layout of their district streets.

Urban Picnics

DCN’s Department of Social Engagement brought together residents of all ages on three occasions –in a relaxed setting outdoors– for informative talks on the benefits of sustainable mobility in the city. There was a discussion on the mobility issues experienced by the residents of Las Tablas and Fuencarral districts, to show how favourable a sustainable mobility approach can be in the development of cities.

“Leave your Car at Home!” Encouraging the Use of Sustainable Mobility during the European Mobility Week

All DCN employees were sent a statement encouraging them to leave their car at home and use public transport instead during the European Mobility Week; with information about the different possible means of sustainable transport to reach their office every day.