VREF is proud to announce the official launch of the Walking Cities Lab, a major new International Research Program (IRP) within our Walking as Mode of Transport program – dedicated to making walking a global transport priority.

Earlier this year, VREF committed 24 MSEK to establish this major new International Research Program (IRP) within its Walking as a Mode of Transport program. The lab brings together a world-class consortium of experts dedicated to making walking a global transport priority – bridging the gap between high-level urban policy and the daily reality for pedestrians, particularly in the Global South.

In this webinar Dr. Daniel Oviedo, Program Director, and colleagues shared the lab’s strategic roadmap for 2026–2029, and introduced to the international experts and partner institutions driving this four-year journey. There was also a Q&A around focus areas and future collaboration opportunities discussed with the VREF community.

What is the Walking Cities Lab? Walking is the most fundamental mode of transport, yet it is often overlooked in urban planning. The Walking Cities Lab focuses on creating actionable knowledge for safer, more inclusive, and climate-resilient walking environments.Through “Urban Living Labs” in Ghana, Brazil, India, and Malta, the program will test real-world interventions and co-create knowledge across strategic areas such as:

• Equity & Inclusion: Ensuring walking environments serve everyone.
• Care & Safety: Designing for the most vulnerable road users.
• Governance: Integrating walking into formal urban transport frameworks.

Stay Connected: The launch is just the beginning. We invite researchers, practitioners, and students to stay engaged as the Lab begins its work across our four target regions. For more information and future updates, submit to our newsletters in the form below.