From Vision to Reality: HVL Experts Guide Riga's Urban Mobility Transformation
Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) plays a key role as technical partner to the city of Riga in a groundbreaking urban mobility transformation in the Āgenskalns neighborhood, as part of the JUST STREETS project.
The HVL team, led by Professor Wendy Tan, conducted two high-impact workshops focusing on street safety and inclusive urban design, bringing together international expertise to reshape the city's approach to urban mobility.
The two day event from May 29 - 30, 2025 was opened by Inese Andersone, Head of the Riga City Development Committee on behalf of the mayor.
“On behalf of the City of Riga, I extend my warmest greetings and full support to Just Streets project and its efforts to create safer and more inclusive urban spaces.” - Vilnis Kirsis, Mayor of Riga
Creating more just and inclusive streets
During the pilot visit to Riga, Latvia, the HVL team delivered two workshops: the "Safeway to School" workshop with Knut Olav Røssland Nestås from Trygg Trafikk (Vestland, Norway) and local experts, and an innovative training session with the international expert Professor Dr. Dr. Claudia van der Laag on Space Syntax methodology focused on creating more just and inclusive streets.
“We expect Riga to lead its pilot intervention with vision and courage, supported by our international consortium - and especially Prof. Wendy Tan and her team at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. We applaud Riga’s efforts in leading the way for other Baltic cities to test and replicate innovations for mobility justice. When Riga succeeds, you will become a lighthouse for other European cities.” - Giulia Melis, JUST STREETS coordinator
City planners and mobility experts
The workshops brought together 50 city planners and mobility experts from 16 countries. They focused on converting abstract concepts of justice and inclusivity into concrete street safety and accessibility measures, using spatial analysis to support evidence-based policies. Participants worked collaboratively to transform the Meža iela and Puķu iela junction into a more vibrant and equitable urban space.
“We are deeply grateful to the team from HVL for their invaluable support during our pilot site visit in Riga. Their expertise, dedication, and collaborative spirit significantly enriched the workshops and helped translate complex urban mobility concepts into actionable strategies. The insights shared by Professor Wendy Tan and her team have laid a strong foundation for Riga’s journey toward safer, more inclusive streets.” - Anna Telniha, Chief Project Manager
The HVL team will continue supporting Riga's implementation of these interventions while developing a cutting-edge spatial analysis framework—combining GIS and Space Syntax—to guide decisions for safer, more inclusive streets.
Kicking off the pilot visit in Riga (Source: Dipanjan Nag)
About JUST STREETS
The JUST STREETS Horizon project focuses on developing streets shaped by active mobility that are both sustainable and inclusive for all citizens. The project brings together 31 partners from 15 European and non-European countries, working to implement innovative mobility strategies in 12 cities for the next four years.