Implementing Superblocks for Sustainable Cities and the Future of E-Scooters

Melbourne, Australia, has banned e-scooter rentals due to accidents that have resulted in complaints and public outrage. Some accidents have even led to deaths and brain damage, particularly affecting younger patients. The city introduced scooter-sharing systems in February 2022 for a two-year trial period. Mayor Nicolas Reece stated, “Too many people ride on the sidewalks and don’t park their scooters properly. They’re abandoned and thrown around the city, creating hazards.”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has pledged to host the 2028 Summer Olympics with minimal car use. However, public transport in the city is less advanced compared to previous host cities, and the metropolis is known for its traffic jams and extensive motorways.

The superblock is an urban planning concept gaining popularity in Europe. A superblock can be three by three or three by two blocks. Within these blocks, city planners limit vehicle speeds, prohibit through traffic, and designate parts of roads and intersections as pedestrian zones. The next step involves creating space for nature and community by adding trees, plants, benches, and playgrounds. Superblocks don’t aim to eliminate cars from traffic—they make them less critical. The space is designed primarily for pedestrians, with vehicles being secondary.