Initiated in line with the zero carbon objective by 2030, SUMP Izmir stepped out on the streets for the future of the city. Citizen forums identified Izmir’s sustainable transportation route, and awareness was raised on carbon emissions and environmentally friendly transportation vehicles in Kültürpark.
As part of the Izmir Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (EU Support to Izmir Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan-SUMP Izmir), implemented by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality with the European Union (EU), citizens discussed Izmir’s sustainable transportation goals for three days. Within the scope of “SUMP Izmir on the Street” activities organized by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Transportation, forums were held in Buca and Karşıyaka, and a series of awareness raising activities were organized in Kültürpark.
On the last day of the program, awareness raising and morale activities were held in Kültürpark. The event was attended by Kadir Efe Oruç, Head of Transportation Department of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality; Neptün Soyer, President of S.S. Izmir Village Coop Union; Selda Susal Saatçi, Anadolu Efes Group Corporate Communications and Relations Director; Turkey’s leading social media influencers, content producers, travel writers, university students, NGO representatives and many citizens.
Awareness event with 24 cars
Awareness was raised for carbon footprint with 24 cars, 24 bicycles and 1 bus brought to Kültürpark. In the event, the space occupied in traffic by 24 passengers traveling in separate cars, a single bus and 24 separate bicycles was demonstrated while drawing attention to the carbon emissions of vehicles. A painting activity describing the carbon footprint was organized on the floor of Kültürpark by the participants of the event. Afterwards, the bicycles brought to the area were painted to the delight of the participants. Citizens accompanied the bicycle painting activity with their own bicycles.
“Being a partner to the problem is as valuable as solving the problem”
Kadir Efe Oruç, Head of Transportation Department of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, said: “In Izmir, these studies are carried out within the scope of the preparation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan. We refer to this as SUMP for short. We are carrying out this work with a very large team. We have tried to make analyses from many places on how we can ensure transportation and mobility in the long term for Izmir. We try to support our data with additional citizen forums. We had a participation of approximately 500 people in the citizen forums.”
“We are working to achieve our zero carbon objective”
Kadir Efe Oruç said, “Izmir is a pioneering city in Turkey with its sustainable and clean energy resources and transportation infrastructure. It is a promising city in Turkey with its bicycle paths, sea and rail transportation. The vision of our Mayor Tunç Soyer is in a position to lead us to a much better future. We are working to achieve our zero carbon targets in 2030 and 2050 with projects such as Buca Metro, Narlıdere Metro, Çiğli Tram, new rail system projects, bicycle paths, electric passenger ferries.”
“We need to be part of President Soyer’s signature for zero carbon”
The President of Izmir Village Coop Union, Neptün Soyer, who participated in the events and supported awareness raising activities for a sustainable future together with young people, said: “It is very important to have signed international agreements to reduce carbon emissions to zero in 2030 and 2050 under the leadership of Izmir Metropolitan Mayor Tunç Soyer. This signature of Tunç Soyer, the Mayor of Izmir, is a signature that we should actually be in with the citizens. That is what we are trying to explain. We have university students. That’s the best thing. It is very valuable for people of that age group, with that awareness, to contribute. Today, we have seen together the space occupied by cars and bicycles in relation to the number of passengers carried by a bus. As we look at it, we see how much we have narrowed our living spaces in life and how little space we have left to breathe. That is what we are trying to explain.” she added.
“Izmir has a transportation vision that improves itself”
Neptün Soyer said, “Today I learned that Izmir is a city that can walk over 40 percent when we see the modal split. Izmir is a really walkable city. It is up to us to increase this percentage. So I am very happy to be here today. In Izmir, you can easily use the metro within the city. It is possible to get to Alsancak by taking the IZBAN, which operates from Aliağa to Selçuk and the airport. From Alsancak, you can either walk or take the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality’s transportation vehicles to anywhere in Izmir. In this sense, Izmir has a transportation vision that really improves itself and catches up with the international agenda.”
“Bicycle transportation is very easy in Izmir”
Stating that bicycle transportation is a part of life in Izmir, Neptün Soyer said, “Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is expanding and developing its system together with the public. Sometimes İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Tunç Soyer’s cycling is perceived as a fantasy. I find it very surprising. I will never forget the happiness of the bicycle I received as a report card gift when I started secondary school. So cycling is an important thing. It’s not just a hobby. You can use it on your way to work, school and in all areas of daily life. Bicycle transportation is very easy in Izmir and we have a local government that supports this.”
“Izmir is far ahead in sustainable transportation”
Chef Serpilay Salkım, who participated in the events for awareness-raising activities, said: “I have visited many cities; I can easily say that Izmir is far ahead of other cities in sustainable transportation especially with its trams and bicycle paths. There is also a positive thing about Alsancak. I can leave the car and get around by metro, tram, bus and my own scooter. If we have a concern for our future, we should all reduce our carbon footprint and switch to electric vehicles and public transportation.”
“I applaud Izmir’s sustainable projects wholeheartedly”
Expert Dietitian Betül Karakuş said, “It is very promising to highlight sustainable transportation and to increase environmentally friendly transportation. It is also our role to publicize these activities. I use the tram between my home and workplace and I share this every day. In addition to this, I am now thinking of including bicycles in my life for sustainable transportation. I wholeheartedly applaud Izmir’s sustainable projects. I thank our president for this. We encounter sustainability everywhere. Especially the public transportation network has a very important part in sustainable transportation. I think Izmir will be a pioneer in this regard.”
“Implementation of the SUMP concept is crucial for livable cities”
Anadolu Efes Group’s Corporate Communications and Relations Director Selda Susal Saatçi, who contributed to SUMP by granting 24 bicycles, said: “When we talk about transportation, we see that it has an important share in the carbon emissions of countries. Therefore, I think the implementation of the SUMP concept is important to create cleaner societies for cities and more livable cities for people. Creating social benefit and creating people-oriented value are also very important in Anadolu Efes’ 2030 sustainability goals. We are very happy to take part in this project. Izmir has a very special position for us. This is where we established our first factory, so our roots go back to this city. It is very precious for us.”
