Commoning Accessibility: Exploring Access as a Collective and Political

This research seminar, hosted by the Urban Mobility Research Cluster at the Bartlett School of Planning, UCL, features a presentation by Prof. Enrica Papa (University of Westminster) on the concept of commoning accessibility, a novel approach that redefines accessibility not as an individual condition or a technical outcome, but as a socially and politically co-produced process. The presentation explores how communities actively shape access to services and opportunities through shared practices such as community (e-)bike schemes, mobility hubs, parcel lockers, and citizen-managed datasets to enhance local mobility and digital connectivity. The central research question guiding the talk is: How can accessibility be conceptualized and supported as a commons — a collectively governed resource that fosters inclusion, sustainability, and local resilience? Building on recent theoretical insights and drawing from real-world case studies, the seminar discusses how practices of commoning accessibility challenge conventional planning paradigms by emphasizing care, mutual aid, and shared responsibility. Special attention is given to accessibility challenges in urban outskirts and peripheral neighbourhoods, where traditional public transport and service provision are often limited. The talk also reflects on enabling conditions for such initiatives: from spatial and social context, to governance models, and supportive policy frameworks. Examples include community-led car clubs in low-density suburbs, temporary street interventions to improve walkability, and mobile community services co-designed with local residents. The seminar is open to students, researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in sustainable transport, urban planning, and social justice. It will include a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A.

Speaker Details

Enrica Papa is Professor of Transport Planning at the University of Westminster, with research spanning urban, mobility, and economic geography. She holds a PhD in Transport Network and City Planning and brings over 15 years of international experience in teaching, research, and consultancy, having worked in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy. Her research focuses on sustainable accessibility planning, with a strong commitment to inclusive mobility and urban decarbonisation. She has published widely in the field—authoring over 30 journal articles, contributing to nearly 50 books and book chapters, and editing three special journal issues. Enrica leads and contributes to several high-profile European research projects, including as coordinator of COMMON_ACCESS, which explores community-led accessibility solutions in suburban areas, and Principal Investigator of JUST STREETS, a major initiative reimagining urban streets for sustainable mobility across 17 countries.

More information about her work can be found on her university profile (https://www.westminster.ac.uk/about-us/our-people/directory/papa-enrica).