THE BASQUE port city of Bilbao is the 'most sustainable' in Spain in terms of mobility – or has made the greatest efforts in providing clean transport facilities, according to Canadian environmental charity Greenpeace.
Factors such as pedestrianised areas, pollution and noise, town planning, transparency, and management and provision of trains, buses, taxis and cycle lanes, among other yardsticks, were taken into account.
One of Bilbao's greatest environmental positives is the fact that nearly two-thirds, or 64% of travel around the city is on foot, although public transport is efficient enough that the standard one-car, one-person system can largely be avoided, keeping pollution to a minimum.
And speed limits have been dramatically reduced in 87% of Bilbao's streets, reducing noise, air contamination, and risk to pedestrians.
Out of 10, Greenpeace gives Bilbao (pictured) 6.9, and said it would give it a higher grade if it promoted cycling more, whilst warning the city council to keep on top of pollution levels and ensure they do not rise.
Another point in Bilbao's favour is its 'women-friendly' public transport system: taxis required by local bye-law to wait and ensure female passengers are safely indoors before departing, and bus stops set up closer together so women do not have to walk so far to get to their homes or work after alighting.
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