How can spatial design promote inclusivity, gender equality and overall sustainability in Costa Rica's urban mobility system?

摘要

Today, 70% of the world's poor are women. Women walk distances that are between 11-16% longer than men, make approximately 15% more journeys than men and only 3% of them commute by bicycle. In Latin America and the Caribbean, women are the main users of public transport. While using it, they are faced with issues such as sexual harassment or lack of infrastructure to fit their needs. In other regions, however, the number of new drivers is rising twice as quickly among women as it is among men, sometimes outnumbering the number of male drivers. Costa Rica is a country with important mobility issues. This is taking a toll on its economy, competitiveness and environment. The poor public transport system and the absence of adequate land planning policies has led the city to expand and for an alarmingly increased number of-privileged-Costaricans to use private vehicles as their main means of transportation. As a result, 45% of the country's emissions derive from transport, and pollution levels in the Great Metropolitan Area are currently above WHO limits. As a country that takes pride in being a leader in sustainability, this paper proposes including gender perspective in design criteria for mobility solutions as a reminder that without social equity and inclusivity, the country cannot claim to be truly sustainable. Based on interviews and international case study analysis about gender-related mobility needs, it adjusts them to the local context of a developing, tropical country. It includes elements such as safety, vigilance, lighting, seat distribution, the inclusion of women in decision making and in operation of transport facilities and vehicles. These solutions can bring Costa Rica's mobility system closer to sustainability by becoming more inclusive and considerate of women's needs and reducing the need for them to resort to private mobility.