Mon Sep 16 16:07:55 UTC 2024: ## Paris and Milan Lead the Way in 15-Minute City Movement: New Study

**Paris and Milan are among the cities closest to achieving the 15-minute city model, a concept that emphasizes accessibility to essential services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Cities.**

The research, conducted by Italian researchers, analyzed over 10,000 cities globally, using open-source data to map residents’ proximity to services like shops, restaurants, healthcare, and education. The study found that many central urban areas already meet the 15-minute city criteria. However, disparities exist between wealthier inner city areas and sprawling outskirts.

“A lot of people already live in a 15-minute city,” said study co-author Hygor Piaget Monteiro Melo. “But it depends on where you look within a city, because of the inequality in access to services between the center and periphery.”

Population density plays a crucial role in achieving the 15-minute city model. Cities with a high concentration of people, like Milan and Barcelona, scored well in the study. Paris, which adopted the concept in 2020, also stands out as an outlier among major cities, with a significant portion already within the 15-minute threshold.

Cities built in the pre-automobile era, such as many European cities, have a head start on achieving the 15-minute city model. However, cities designed with cars in mind, particularly in the United States, fared poorly. Atlanta, Los Angeles, and several Chinese cities, including Chongqing, lag behind in walkability.

The study highlights the trade-offs inherent in urban design. While the 15-minute city model is often presented as a utopia, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different cultures and preferences, such as the preference for homes with backyards in the United States, play a role. However, central areas of US cities like New York, San Francisco, and Milwaukee also meet the 15-minute criteria.

Despite the benefits, the 15-minute city concept has been met with resistance and misinformation. Online conspiracy theories have falsely claimed that the model restricts citizen movement. The researchers emphasize that the 15-minute city is about accessibility and quality of life, not confinement.

The study emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to urban planning, beyond just the 15-minute city concept. Addressing inequality, improving public transport, and reducing traffic are also crucial for creating livable cities.

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