Stockholm: "The Most Accessible Capital City in the World by 2010"

Share on social media

The city of Stockholm has set a goal, to be achieved at the latest by 2010, to be the most easily accessible capital of the world. The project, "Easy Access", coordinated by Stockholm City Council, plays an important part in reaching this goal. The gains in adapting Stockholm to meet the needs of disabled persons, thereby making it possible for them to participate fully in the social life of the city, are numerous. A society that extends a welcome to everybody to participate in the city´s life, becomes a community that inspires all and sundry to care for her/his fellow-beings. Increased accessibility for disabled persons to points and places in the city also means ease-of-access for everybody.

The city of Stockholm has set a goal, to be achieved at the latest by 2010, to be the most easily accessible capital of the world. The project, "Easy Access", coordinated by Stockholm City Council, plays an important part in reaching this goal.

The gains in adapting Stockholm to meet the needs of disabled persons, thereby making it possible for them to participate fully in the social life of the city, are numerous. A society that extends a welcome to everybody to participate in the city´s life, becomes a community that inspires all and sundry to care for her/his fellow-beings. Increased accessibility for disabled persons to points and places in the city also means ease-of-access for everybody.

The project of Easy Access started in January 1999. By resolution in the Stockholm City Real Estate and Traffic Committee, 100 million Skr per year during 1999-2002 were earmarked to increase the accessibility within the area of responsibility of the Real Estate and Traffic Committee.

Action Plan

Contact was established with all the City District administrations and organisations of disabled persons requesting them to point out suitable objects and corresponding actions in order to facilitate accessibility. Examples of measures to be taken included:

  • Walks, promenades and cycleways
  • Lifts, escalators and public conveniences
  • Playgrounds; also those in parks
  • Reducing level differences, ramps
  • Park benches
  • Improvements in parks
  • Railings and handrails
  • The lowering of kerb-stones, installing zebra-crossings and traffic lights
  • Flights of stairs, contrast markings on steps, etc.

The project is continuing, with additional physical improvements, guidance for shop owners and businesses, an annual competition and other intiatives.

Further information is available in Swedish and English at the Easy Access Project website.