According to a new study published in the journal Nature Cities, only a tiny fraction of cities around the world can be classified as "15-minute cities" where essential services are within a short walking or biking distance. The researchers analyzed open data to determine the average distance people must travel to access vital amenities such as healthcare, education, supermarkets, hospitals, and parks. The findings unveiled a stark contrast between European midsize cities and sprawling North American urban centers.

Zurich, Switzerland, emerged as the epitome of walkability and accessibility, with an impressive 99.2% of its residents living within a 15-minute walk of essential services. The picturesque streets of Zurich boast smooth sidewalks and ramps at every intersection for strollers, providing a seamless experience for pedestrians. Luke Harris, a landscape architect from Portland, Oregon, expressed his admiration for Zurich's walkability, remarking that most necessities are within reach, and if not, public transport is a convenient alternative.

The study examined 54 cities in detail and discovered that midsize European cities like Milan, Copenhagen, and Dublin also ranked high in terms of accessibility. These cities featured essential services that were easily accessible within 15 minutes for over 95% of their residents. On the contrary, sprawling North American cities such as San Antonio, Dallas, Atlanta, and Detroit fared poorly, with just 2.5% of San Antonio residents having essential services within a 15-minute walk.

The authors of the study developed an algorithm to explore the necessary changes for cities to enhance accessibility. Their analysis revealed that Atlanta would need to relocate 80% of its amenities to achieve an equal distribution per resident, while Paris would require a comparatively modest 10% relocation. While the study does not propose destroying and reallocating cities, it serves as a mathematical exercise to foster discussion about creating more inclusive and accessible urban environments.

However, the concept of a 15-minute city has faced criticism from conspiracy theorists who view it as a government plot to control movement and restrict freedom. Scientists, urban planners, and doctors are frustrated by this vitriol, emphasizing that reducing car dependency is vital for promoting healthier and safer lives.

The study acknowledges certain limitations, such as the varying quality of open data, particularly outside of Europe and North America. Additionally, factors like heavy traffic, high crime rates, adverse weather conditions, and steep hills can discourage people from walking even short distances.

Natalie Mueller, an environmental epidemiologist at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, who was not involved in the study, emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but the research can contribute to the development of more sustainable and inclusive urban environments. Encouraging active and public transport, minimizing car dependency, and integrating nature-based solutions like expanding green spaces can improve the overall environmental quality, benefiting the health of the population.

The study serves as a reminder that enhancing accessibility alone is insufficient to reduce private car usage. The Netherlands, renowned for its excellent bicycle infrastructure, paradoxically possesses more cars per person compared to rural countries like Ireland and Hungary. Even in Zurich, where a proposal to build 50km of bicycle infrastructure received overwhelming support, concerns persist about the lack of bicycle lanes and the safety of cyclists amidst car-dominated streets.

As cities navigate the challenges of urban planning, accessibility, and sustainability, the study provides valuable insights and calls for a concerted effort to create cities that prioritize walkability, public transport, and a harmonious relationship between cyclists and cars.