Realisation NUMIC 1.0
In order to achieve the goals of sustainable mobility development, the first step was to find a model route for pedestrians and cyclists away from the busy main roads. Urban planning, transport planning and social criteria all played a decisive role in this process. Based on these factors, various routes were designed, from which the citizens of Chemnitz were able to choose their favourite in an online vote in mid-2020. The chosen model route, which was christened NUMICO by the online community, runs for around 5 km between the Sportforum and Zeisigwald, connecting the districts of Bernsdorf, Gablenz and Yorckgebiet.
About the NUMIC project
The NUMICO model route
Once the model route had been established, deficiencies and potential improvements were identified along it in order to make cycling and walking on this route not only safer but also more attractive. The participation platform numic.city was implemented and operated for NUMIC in collaboration with innosabi GmbH during the course of the project. This was used to realise nine digital ideas competitions. These were participations with very different formats, from simple voting to multi-part idea submissions and voting to geo-referenced reports. For example, there was the option of reporting suggestions for improving transport infrastructure as well as displaying favourite locations by the community - the reports were often aimed at design interventions in public spaces.
The NUMIC app
Another digital tool for researching mobility behaviour and reporting design preferences and critical points was the Fraunhofer IAO's NUMIC app. The people of Chemnitz helped the research team to gain a better understanding of everyday journeys in Chemnitz with their personal travel diaries.
The digital formats were supported by activities along the model route and in dialogue with citizens. For example, the European Mobility Week was brought to Gablenz and a citizens' forum was organised.
From the ideas and plans, 21 mobility measures were implemented. Other ideas were not realised due to their costs, implementation times or conflicting plans. For example, coloured markings to make crossing points visible are not permitted under road traffic regulations.
The measures implemented and their impact were then analysed and evaluated by means of surveys. In addition, a transferable approach was sought in order to share the experiences with other cities. The detailed results can be found here: