Download PDF
European guidelines for drafting Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), titled Developing and Implementing a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, are clear: a transparent and participatory approach is fundamental. Unlike previous planning models, SUMPs focus on the real needs of citizens, making their involvement an indispensable requirement. An active and timely participatory process not only increases a plan’s acceptance but also facilitates its implementation.
But how do you translate this principle into concrete actions?
With the Ascoli Piceno SUMP, we brought an innovative and informal initiative to life: the AperiPUMS.
[AperiPUMS is a play on words combining “aperitivo” and “PUMS,” the Italian acronym for SUMP. TN]
The AperiPUMS initiative was born from the need to make participation in the SUMP accessible to everyone, engaging as many people as possible and ensuring the plan’s public awareness. Three meetings, held in convivial settings like bars and cafes, allowed us to bring urban planning closer to citizens’ daily lives.
This activity, launched after the “SUMP Ascoli Piceno – For shared mobility” online questionnaire, took place between March and April 2025. Each event attracted around thirty people, showing how an informal approach can generate significant interest.
The meetings were held at strategic points in the city, chosen for their relevance in terms of population and services. This ensured coverage of diverse mobility needs, not just in the historic center, but also in the surrounding neighborhoods, where most residents live and work.
At each gathering, a brief presentation on the SUMP tool was provided to ensure maximum understanding and facilitate the completion of the online questionnaire. Citizens raised numerous questions and offered suggestions, demonstrating their strong interest in mobility strategies.
The initiative confirmed that the participation of citizens and stakeholders is an indispensable element for any SUMP. The AperiPUMS approach proved to be an effective model for:
- Bringing people closer to the planning process. The informal environment lowered the barrier to entry, encouraging participation.
- Gathering high-quality feedback. The questions and suggestions collected were specific and relevant to the needs of the local area.
- Building trust. The direct dialogue with the administration and technical staff strengthened the bond between institutions and citizens.
The experience in Ascoli Piceno shows that for a SUMP to be a true plan-process, it must be based on innovative communication and participation strategies. The AperiPUMS are a concrete example of how it is possible to make mobility planning a shared and inclusive journey, from the first step to the last.