On March 24, 2026, partners of the SMILE CITY and REPLAN CITY LIFE projects, as well as external partners, gathered for a dedicated workshop focused on rubberised asphalt solutions for cycling infrastructurein Brussels. Organised by the European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA) as part of their annual conference, the session brought together project partners, technical experts, and local stakeholders to exchange knowledge and align on strategies for upcoming implementation phases.
The workshop provided a valuable platform to discuss innovative materials, address technical challenges, and strengthen collaboration across the consortium.
The morning session opened with a series of technical presentations addressing the core aspects of rubberised asphalt and it’s use for cycling infrastructure design.
KERIDIS presented an overview of rubberised asphalt, including its types, production methods, and key properties. Particular attention was given to identifying the most suitable characteristics for cycling lanes, such as durability, safety, and comfort for users.
Building on this, TRS explored the typical design and structure of cycling tracks, outlining standard profiles and asphalt mixes commonly used in urban environments.
A practical perspective was introduced by RECYKL, who showcased a tender dashboard designed to help public authorities procure sustainable asphalt solutions for their respective use cases.
The workshop then shifted focus to the SMILE CITY pilot locations, presented by CEUS and some of the public authority partners. These presentations highlighted:
- The local context of each site
- Key challenges to be addressed
This session played a crucial role in connecting technical solutions with real-world applications, ensuring that proposed innovations are tailored to local needs and constraints.
Following a networking lunch, participants engaged in a collaborative session aimed at defining practical solutions using rubberised asphalt for cycling infrastructure.
Discussions focused on:
- Optimal cycling track profiles and cross-sections
- Suitable asphalt mixes incorporating recycled rubber
- Adaptation of solutions to specific local conditions
This interactive exchange allowed partners to combine their expertise and co-develop approaches that are both technically sound and context-sensitive.
A key theme of the workshop was the importance of bridging the gap between research, industry, and public authorities; a topic which was addressed in a session led by representatives from the Municipality of Lucca, together with KERIDIS.
These discussions underlined the need for alignment between project outcomes and market realities, ensuring that innovations can be effectively adopted by paving companies and municipalities.
The afternoon programme also explored the role of public authorities in promoting sustainable mobility.
ECOSISTEMI led a session on eco-incentives, examining which incentives are most beneficial for citizens and how municipalities can support behavioural change.
This was complemented by a presentation from the University of Turin on the links between urban cycling and public health, reinforcing the broader societal benefits of investing in cycling infrastructure.
Building on the outcomes of this workshop, SMILE CITY partners will continue working together to deliver innovative solutions for more sustainable and resilient urban mobility. One thing we learned is that there is a perfect solution for every problem!
Read more about the workshop here!