We moved to this city in Autumn 2018 and I almost immediately began to appreciate the fact that I could walk about 15 minutes (often less) to get everywhere I needed to:
Preschool, elementary & high schools
Grocery stores
Hospital & clinic
Parks, playgrounds & green spaces
Shopping (clothes, books etc)
Post office
Bank
Public transportation
Train station
Library
Restaurants & cafes
Sport & fitness centres/ outdoor gyms
Museums & galleries
City squares
I had lived in vibrant cities, towns and villages before that exemplified the 15 minute concept but I never ‘named it’.
So last year, when I heard about the concept of the 15 minute city as coined by Carlos Moreno, I thought aha! This is indeed precisely what I have been living and also greatly valuing as a feature of place and planning.
But I am curious about more than my perspective. I’m curious to hear other residents reflect and share on their experience of this city. From those who live in the city centre to those in the nearby suburbs; those who drive, take the bus, bike or predominantly walk, as I do.
Additionally, when I refer to 15 minute cities, I tend to focus a lot on amenities- all of the places that can be reached in that 15-20 minute time span by foot or bike. And of course all of that is critical- central to the entire concept.
But on a deeper level, experiencing daily life in a 15 minute city is about liveability. The proximity to amenities is wonderful and extremely practical on a daily basis. On a broader level, the impact is on quality of life. A quality of life connecting to the city as a whole.
I’m working on a ‘City movement’ questionnaire for locals that can be completed over a cup of coffee. I look forward to sharing more and exploring the 15-20 minute city concept as an existing feature in many communities as well as its contemporary development in many others.