Tech & Science dictionary
15-minute city
[ fif-teen min-it sit-ee ]
What does 15-minute city mean?
A 15-minute city is a city in which a person can reach any necessity within a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride.
The 15-minute city is a concept in urban planning and development that attempts to limit the amount of vehicle traffic and urban sprawl. The goal of the 15-minute city strategy is to ensure essential services, such as grocery stores and healthcare facilities, are within a 15-minute walk or bike ride of any citizen living in the city. The strategy focuses on efficiency and convenience while minimizing traffic congestion and dependency on cars.
The 15-minute city idea became more popular after the COVID-19 pandemic, which emphasized the need for easily accessible essential services. After the pandemic, many cities considered or approved design proposals aimed to follow the 15-minute city idea. The 15-minute city has also been supported as a means to combat climate change by lessening the dependence on cars.
In early 2023, the 15-minute city concept made headlines when it became the focus of conspiracy theories that claimed the idea was part of government plots to limit personal freedom and enforce citizen surveillance.
Where does 15-minute city come from?
In the term 15-minute city, 15-minute refers to the ability of any citizen to reach all major necessities and amenities within a 15-minute walk or bicycle ride from their home.
The idea of the 15-minute city has been credited to researcher Carlos Moreno, who first proposed the idea in 2016. Since that time, Moreno’s 15-minute city idea has been supported by many organizations, including the United Nations.
Examples of 15-minute city
Who uses 15-minute city?
The 15-minute city idea often has a lot of support on social media, particularly from people who already live in places intended to be 15-minute cities.
i have a hard time finding fault with the 15 minute city urban design concept
— Ben Horst (bluecheck.jpg) (@MoriaMarmalade) April 17, 2023
I grew up in a 15 minute city within Ottawa – there was a library, public pool, schools, K-Mart, restaurants/take-out, convenience store all within a 15 minute walk of my home. I can’t accept anyone as a serious person if they criticize a 15 minute city.
— Clinton Desveaux (@ClintonDesveaux) April 13, 2023
Criticism or opposition to the 15-minute city is also often part of popular anti-government conspiracy theories.
Water rations and climate lockdowns are coming to a 15 minute city near you.
— Channeling my inner Beth (@Aporetic85) April 10, 2023
Once they have these "15 minute city Prisons" secured then they will come for those who live outside to get them to move in by force.
— Christian (@Christi70490715) April 10, 2023
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of 15-minute city like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of 15-minute city that will help our users expand their word mastery.