From 22 to 24 October, Vitoria-Gasteiz hosted the 13th Congress of the Walking Cities Network (Red de Ciudades que Caminan). The gathering brought together nearly 200 participants, the largest turnout in its thirteen editions. Under the motto “Camina en Verde – Berdez Ibili” (Walk Green), local government representatives, urban planners and specialists shared experiences on universal accessibility, pedestrian mobility, population ageing and adapting public space to climate change.
The opening session featured the urban planner Guillermo Peñalosa, a leading advocate of 8-80 cities. The idea is that streets, parks and public spaces should be designed so that an eight-year-old girl and an 80-year-old alike can use them safely and independently.
The first day also included a tribute to José Ángel Cuerda, mayor of Vitoria-Gasteiz from 1979 to 1999 and a key figure in the city’s pedestrian transformation. Decisions taken during his time in office gave the streets back their role as places for meeting and living together, laying the foundations of an urban model that has continued to evolve ever since.
It was a tribute we at Naider felt especially close to: years ago we presented him with the Naider Action and Commitment Award, although, in truth, the honour was Naider’s. His vision of an open, caring city designed around people continues to inspire our work.
Photos: Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council
