Understanding Sustainable Urban Mobility : Exploring the new ways of Mobilities. Case study of Padova

This thesis undertakes a comprehensive exploration of sustainable mobility in contemporary urban contexts. Drawing on the mobilities turn in the social sciences and the concept of mobility justice, this research seeks to reveal the multifaceted nature of sustainable mobility in the context of environmental sustainability within the urban transport sector. The research begins by analyzing the notion of sustainable urban mobility within the broader discourse of mobility studies. It examines the evolving understanding of mobility, covering the transformative approaches that have emerged in response to the complex demands of urbanization. Italy, as the setting for this research, provides a unique context for the study of urbanization and sustainable mobility. The thesis provides insights into the state of urbanization and sustainability in Italy, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the country's urban landscape. For the case study of Padova, the transport landscape and the diverse transportation solutions available in the city, including public transit, bicycle infrastructure, pedestrian networks, and emerging mobility technologies are explained. The study also examines the city's sustainable urban mobility plans, assessing their effectiveness in promoting sustainability in the urban context. This work therefore contributes to the understanding of sustainable urban mobility using Padova as a lens to explore the complexities and possibilities of urban mobilities.