The benefits of the 15-minute city – a logistical approach

Abstract

The human desire to increase one’s comfort while traveling has become one of the guidelines for designing transport networks in cities. Space in cities is limited, and city authorities, residents, entrepreneurs, and other users compete for it. Contemporary urban development concepts assume the pursuit of sustainable development, which is not easy as it often requires reconstructing the existing urban structure. The aim of the article is to present the benefits of the concept of a 15-minute city in terms of logistics (i.e., transport infrastructure solutions). Among the main benefits – from the city’s perspective – from the implementation of the model the following can be distinguished: fair planning decisions, reduction of traffic, improvement of air quality, increase in car-free space, and stimulation of the local economy. The benefits directly noticeable by the residents are also important: greater availability of goods and services, reduced dependence on cars, better health and well-being, a stronger sense of belonging to the local community, and an increase in the value of real estate. Implementing the 15-minute city model requires careful planning, investment, and time, but given the benefits listed above, it is an investment that will start to pay off almost immediately.