Transformation of Urban Space and Transport Policy in Zagreb

Participants engaged in group work focused on identifying key problems and user needs, understanding the perspectives of different stakeholders, and defining concrete steps for transforming urban space. In line with the NetZeroCities initiative, discussions centred on reallocating streets, squares, and parking areas to prioritize people over cars, thereby fostering climate-neutral cities through systemic change. This transformation requires a combination of “push” measures—such as traffic restrictions and reduced parking—and “pull” measures, including improved public transport, expanded cycling networks, and pedestrian-friendly designs.  These measures should be integrated into Climate City Contracts and Green Urban Plans. By linking spatial planning with decarbonization, cities such as Zagreb can create emission-free districts, strengthen nature-based solutions, and support city-wide replication to achieve net-zero goals by 2030.

The workshop held at the Zagreb Energy Centre – ZEC aimed to deepen understanding the process of reallocating road space and the associated with such changes.

Opening Session

Aljaž Plevnik from the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia highlighted how transport and spatial planning can reduce car dependency and improve the safety and functionality of urban spaces. He reflected on experiences from European cities, the importance of well-designed cycling solutions, and the need to regulate access to pedestrian zones.

Andro Pavuna, Head of the City Office for Municipal Self – Government, Transport, Civil Protection and Safety, presented the situation in Zagreb—from the challenges related to urban sprawl and daily traffic congestion to missed opportunities for street transformation during the pandemic. Using recent examples of public space transformations in Zagreb, he stressed the importance of offering citizens sustainable alternatives, while noting that changes often face resistance due to impacts on daily habits. He also presented ‘Bajs’, the city’s bike-sharing system, which now covers almost the entire city, and it’s widely used by residents.

 A best practice from Pula was presented by Matea Petronijević from the City of Pula’s Department of Urban Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection. She showcased projects focused on greening urban areas, tree-lined avenues, rain gardens, urban forest planning, and new park spaces, emphasising the importance of public education.

Practical Session: Maksimirska Street Case Study

The practical part of the workshop focused on the transformation of Maksimirska Street according to the set objectives. Participants were tasked with identifying current problems on the street (traffic, parking, safety, noise, accessibility), defining a shared challenge, and developing a vision for a street that achieves:

• 30% less car traffic
• 30% less on-street parking
• 50% more use of public transport, cycling, and walking
• effective use of major investments in modernizing the transport system.

Participants worked in mixed groups, with each participant role-playing a stakeholder—from business owners and urban planners to local residents.

Problems and Challenges

Participants identified several key challenges – traffic congestion, lack of high-quality cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, noise pollution, narrow pedestrian areas, conflict points between different users, and insufficient green infrastructure. A major challenge was balancing the needs of residents, business owners, public transport users, and those who rely on parking.

Visions and proposed Solutions

Each group developed its own vision, ranging from moderate to more transformative solutions, including:

• removal of perpendicular parking and introduction of green belts
• introduction of longitudinal parking with improved pedestrian safety
• shared-space concept
• reduction of parking and expansion of pedestrian areas
• complete street reconstruction with underground parking and new greenery
• relocation of the tram track to the centre of the street and expansion of the pedestrian zone
• multifunctional parking spaces for deliveries
• speed limit of 30 km/h.

Participants collectively emphasized that involving all stakeholders leads to better outcomes, and that measures affecting parking and car space have the greatest long‑term impact on sustainable urban transformation.

Study Visit to Best‑Practice Examples

The afternoon included field visits showcasing leading examples of sustainable mobility in Zagreb:

• A green walking tour through the city
• A “Cycling through Zagreb” tour with Bajs
• A ZET bus ride and visits to Končar and ZET, exploring “The rail industry as a stakeholder in climate resilience”.

Participants also visited several green courtyards in the centre blocks, part of the pilot project Green Courtyards. The project, part of NZC initiative, improves microclimates, reduces the urban heat‑island effect, and enhances overall liveability in the city centre.

This event was organized by ODRAZ-Sustainable Community Development, funded by the European Union through the NetZeroCities initiative.