SUMP: Now's the Time to Act- and How Mobycon Can Help   

Mobility is changing and cities need to keep up. Electric vehicles, shared mobility, aging populations, shrinking public transport budgets: today’s mobility landscape is shifting fast. Meanwhile, our streets must do more than move traffic. They should be healthy and livable places to be, connecting people to opportunity, foster community, and support climate goals. To meet this challenge, cities need to have an integrated approach to mobility, urban planning and climate goals. There comes the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) 

 

What is a SUMP? 

A SUMP is a strategic, participatory, integrated and data-driven approach to rethinking mobility from the ground up. Backed by the European Commission, SUMPs help cities: 

  • Align transport planning with sustainability, spatial development, and equity. 
  • Prioritize walking, cycling, public transport, and shared mobility over car dependency. 
  • Involve citizens, businesses, and neighboring municipalities from day one. 
  • Access national and European funding streams tied to sustainable transport goals. 

A well-designed SUMP leads to healthier streets, safer journeys for everyone, cleaner air and long-term resilience. Bonus: having a SUMP makes your city eligible for various EU and national funding programs. We can help you connect the dots between planning and financing. 

Our Approach: Local Solutions, Global Expertise 

At Mobycon, we believe a strong vision pays off. Even if the journey takes time. No two cities are alike. That’s why every mobility policy we develop is tailor-made, rooted in local context, and shaped by stakeholder input. For almost 40 years, we’ve helped cities around the world, from Cologne to Canada, from Zagreb to Zeist, create and implement forward-thinking mobility plans. Our aim? Streets that support life, not just traffic. Places that welcome all people, of all ages and abilities. 

We bring Dutch-inspired, international experience in sustainable transport, such as cycling, public space, logistics, shared mobility, behavior change, and we help cities build the capacity to deliver change. 

The four main steps toward a successful SUMP – Mobycon’s Method 

Based on the EU SUMP framework, our process combines data, strategy, and participation to build realistic, future-proof plans tailored to each local context.

1. Preparation & Analysis 

We begin by mapping the current mobility system and understanding the surrounding context. This includes analyzing quantitative data, such as modal split, crash statistics, and speed; reviewing existing policies at local, regional, and national levels; and gathering input from stakeholders through surveys and focus groups. We identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities and align the findings with broader spatial and policy ambitions. 

2. Vision & Strategy  

With the foundations in place, we collaborate with stakeholders to define a shared vision and establish measurable objectives. These are supported by Urban Mobility Indicators (UMIs) that allow for tracking over time. We test potential pathways using scenario models and assess spatial impacts, always keeping themes like accessibility, safety, climate resilience, and inclusion at the forefront. 

3. Action Planning 

We transition from strategy to implementation by drafting a long list of possible interventions, from mobility hubs to behavioral campaigns. Through participatory workshops, we co-select the most impactful and feasible actions. Each measure is linked to timelines, funding opportunities, and responsibilities, ensuring the plan is ready for delivery. 

4. Implementation & Monitoring 

A SUMP is not a static report but a living strategy. We support cities during implementation with tools for monitoring and evaluation. Using UMIs, we help track progress on outcomes and adjust strategy as conditions evolve. This enables long-term learning and continuous improvement. 

Why Mobycon? 

At Mobycon, we have an exceptional team of experts who combine international knowledge with deep local understanding. We don’t just develop mobility plans; we know how to envision meaningful change and guide you step by step through implementation. With a proven track record across Europe and North America, our interdisciplinary team brings together expertise in transportation, urban design, data science, public space, and policy. We use high-quality data and draw on global insights from our offices in the Netherlands, Germany, the US, Canada, and New Zealand.  

Through inclusive engagement and ongoing support, we ensure that our plans are not only visionary, but also actionable and lasting. Mobility should serve communities not the other way around. A well-designed SUMP turns your city’s goals into real, actionable steps toward a better quality of life for all.  

Want to learn more? Reach out to Moniek Jansen and schedule a meeting to learn how we can support your city. Let’s build the mobility future together! 

 

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