Guidance on integrating rural mobility aspects in SUMP design

The guidance provides an in-depth outlook of critical EU policies framing this work (Section 1, Preface), helping readers understand the strategic context and rationale for this integrated approach. Section 2 explores the need for this guidance in detail, further outlining the context, challenges, and opportunities for adapting SUMPs to better integrate rural perspectives. The guidance document is based on a robust mixed-methods approach, incorporating insights from SUMP guidance producers, city authorities, transport practitioners, and members of the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN) formed by SMARTA-NET. This is documented in Chapter 3. A core section of the document can be found in Chapter 4, where the document provides a stepwise framework for incorporating rural dimensions into the SUMP lifecycle - composed of a 12-step and 4 phase approach, including preparation, strategy development, measure planning, and implementation - enriched by use-case examples from across Europe. These include approaches for integrating rural voices into stakeholder engagement, practical methods for data collection in rural contexts, and examples of measures tailored to address rural mobility challenges. A synthesis of practical tools includes a checklist for transport practitioners. Such hands-on resource to guide professionals can be found in Chapter 5. Overall, the guidance offers a flexible framework for embedding rural mobility aspects into SUMPs throughout their lifecycle. Designed for incremental implementation, the recommendations enable local authorities to adapt and refine rural-proofing practices as they develop institutional capacities capable of promoting regionally balanced sustainable development across the EU.