Bringing The Youth To Pontevedra

The roads of Pontevedra, Spain, once invaded by traffic and city squares, are now often filled with baby strollers and children playing. By restricting traffic and eliminating physical barriers, the city council has redesigned Pontevedra from the viewpoint of a child. 

This trend is reflected in the demographics of Pontevedra. The city has attracted young families from throughout Spain’s northwest region to settle in the city, even as Spain continues to struggle with declining birth rates.  Beginning in 2000, the population of children age 0 to 14 increased by 8% in Pontevedra and has continued to expand the pedestrian area from the center to the outskirts, liberating a total 669,000 square meters previously dominated by cars.

Car use in the inner city has dropped by 77%, and carbon emissions have dropped by 66%, according to the city council accompanied by a dropping crime rate (its lowest crime rate in a decade with 34 offenses per 1,000 citizens, and last year it reached a new low of 27).

Surprisingly, cars are not strictly banned inside the city. Residents with a private garage can bring their cars in, and traffic is open to delivery services, emergencies, and even to private drivers who need to stop by the center for a pick-up or drop-off.

“It is like building a nest,” said Carmen Fouces, Pontevedra’s culture councilor. “If you put some fluff and straws on a branch, a bird will soon make it its home.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how a Spanish city counsel is Bringing The Youth To Pontevedra! Ready to make your trip to the revitalized city? Our culturally immersive classes and native instructors are sure to put you on the path to fluency faster than you might think! Click below to learn more.