In our first part of the annual summer pilot interviews, PHOEBE is focusing on Athens and its implementation of the Athens Great Walk (AGW), which is supported by the research results of PHOEBE.
What are the remaining steps towards the finalisation of the AGW, and how will PHOEBE be involved?
The main infrastructure works for the AGW have already been completed. Therefore, the focus now shifts from construction to monitoring, evaluation, and refinement of implemented measures, especially in terms of traffic safety, sustainability, and modal shift. Thus, PHOEBE’s involvement in this final stage includes:
- Final analysis of behavioural and risk-related impacts of AGW interventions through its integrated simulation and statistical models (e.g., pedestrian red light violations, speeding, illegal crossings).
- Validation of results through real-world data and Aimsun simulations, to understand how interventions impact safety, traffic flow, and emissions.
- Providing evidence-based recommendations for optimising urban design and traffic regulations based on these findings.
Beyond this, what are the remaining contributions of PHOEBE to other Athens interventions and the ambitious aim to introduce the 30km/h speed limit?
The 30 km/h speed limit has now been integrated into the Greek Traffic Code and will be formally enforced starting January 2026. PHOEBE has played a significant role in simulating and evaluating the implications of this measure as part of Scenario 2 in its traffic simulation framework. Remaining contributions of PHOEBE include the support for the rollout of the speed limit through quantitative results that prove its effectiveness in reducing operating speeds and traffic risks, without causing severe congestion. Furthermore, the aim is to raise awareness and support policymaking by presenting data-driven insights into how vulnerable road users benefit from the reduced speed environment. Lastly, the Greek partners will provide technical input for similar interventions across Athens, including pedestrianisation, traffic calming, and micromobility integration.
According to your analysis of the traffic safety situation before and after the implementation of the AGW, what were the main impacts?
Several scenarios were developed, which were based on the PHOEBE simulations.
Scenario 1 (Athens Great Walk only):
- Travel time reduced by 17.7%, distance by 12.8%, and delays by 8.4%.
- Moderate speed reductions in the central areas, reducing conflict risk.
- Increased walking and micromobility, especially among younger age groups.
Scenario 2 (AGW + 30 km/h limit):
- Further decrease in vehicle operating speeds, enhancing safety without major congestion.
- Sustained improvements in environmental indicators, e.g., CO₂ emissions, remained below baseline levels.
- Substantial modal shift, with non-motorised travel rising by up to 20.8%, and motorised decreasing by 1.6%.
The main impacts of scenario 2 would be:
- Safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Smoother and more efficient traffic flow.
- Promotion of sustainable modes of transport.
- Positive environmental outcomes with minimal trade-offs.
An additional meeting with your focus group is planned. This will allow you to receive further feedback from a diverse group of local stakeholders. What will be the main aspects to discuss?
We will present the PHOEBE results from the above-stated scenarios and their impact related to safety, modal shift, traffic efficiency, and emissions. Additionally, we will explain the PHOEBE behavioural models, specifically how pedestrian and driver behaviours (speeding, red light violations, jaywalking) have evolved post-intervention.
Besides this, we will also share our best practices for public awareness strategies to promote the benefits of the 30 km/h zone and AGW to citizens and gain public support.