Problems and Purpose

Tallinn’s streets prioritize cars, with narrow sidewalks, unsafe bike lanes, and long waits for pedestrians. Living Street (Elav Tänav) aims to rebalance street planning by representing all residents, promoting safe, inclusive public space, and offering tools for citizen-led change [1].

Background History and Context

According to Tõnis Savi, one of the authors of the Tallinn Bicycle Strategy 2018–2027, the NGO’s wish for Tallinn is to follow it's own strategic commitments. “The core network of bike paths outlined in the 2018 strategy has yet to be built,” he noted, adding that the newly adopted Tallinn 2035 Development Strategy is also being closely monitored by the NGO to ensure that the good plan is implemented systematically. “Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure can be smartly developed in a way that doesn’t take anything essential away from drivers, while improving safety and quality of life for everyone,” Savi says [2].

Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities

The core of Living Street NGO is 7 people, 50 active experts and thousands of followers on social media.

The founders of Living Street do not belong to any political party, and are led by desire to improve Tallinn’s street space. The founders include investor and entrepreneur Kristjan Lepik, Head of Communications at the National Heritage Board Madle Lippus, architect-urban planner and urban mobility expert Tõnis Savi, service designer Ave Habakuk, Skeleton Technologies co-founder Oliver Ahlberg, Head of Communications at Ampler Bikes Tuuli Jevstignejev and Bolt co-founder Martin Villig [2].

Living Street sees streets as more than transport corridors. The organization emphasizes that well-designed urban space directly impacts how people feel — safe, welcome and inspired. Instead of navigating stressful environments filled with traffic noise and safety concerns, people should be able to enjoy green, diverse and outdoor surroundings. Elements such as greenery, architecture and functional public space contribute to mental well-being, while local shops and cafés strengthen neighborhood life and support the local economy [1].

One of the NGO’s core missions is to ensure that Tallinn follows through on the strategic promises it has already made. Documents like the Tallinn Bicycle Strategy (2018–2027), Strategy Tallinn 2035 and the Climate Plan outline progressive, people-centered goals. However, implementation has lagged behind — particularly in building the core cycling network. Living Street actively monitors these developments and advocates for making sure that policies lead to real improvements [1].

The NGO also promotes active and healthy lifestyles. Streets that support walking and cycling encourage movement for both children and adults, which is critical for physical and mental health. With child mobility levels alarmingly low in Estonia, Living Street envisions a future where kids can safely get to school or hobbies on their own, and adults can incorporate movement naturally into their daily routines — without needing to drive [1].

Participant Recruitment and Selection

Any citizen or company who wishes to engage in activities aligned with the goals of the NGO may apply for membership by submitting an application to the Board of the NGO. To become a member, a recommendation from an existing member of the NGO is required. The decision to admit or reject a member is made by the Council. A unanimous vote by all members of the Council is required for admission [3].

In addition to the official members the NGO has more than 2700 followers [4].

Methods and Tools Used

The NGO encourages people to look into the development plans in their area and assess whether local progress aligns with the set development goals. Using design thinking tools — specifically the POGSE method—proposals related to streets are shaped into more concrete and actionable ideas [1] [5].

To draw attention to the issue, the NGO invites Tallinn residents to take part in Living Street's public space actions: “Bench Day” (citizen bring their own bench, table, or armchair outside and spend lunch break in front of their home or office) and “Cargo Bike” (employers encourage staff to use cargo bikes for daily commuting and inner-city rides) [1].

Also the NGO collects publicly donations from likeminded citizens [1].

What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation

Founded in 2021 by a group of professionals committed to improving the city’s street space, the Living Street NGO laid down its core values: non-partisan advocacy, long-term vision, and inclusive urban design. The focus was on addressing the lack of progress in implementing the Tallinn Bicycle Strategy 2018–2027 and aligning public advocacy with the city’s newly drafted Tallinn 2035 Development Strategy [4].

In 2022, Living Street shifted to public engagement through campaigns such as “Bench Day" and “Cargo Bike". These projects are being annually organized by this day. The organization used storytelling, data, and the POGSE design method to help citizens turn ideas into proposals for safer and more inclusive streets. NGO increased it's presence in state-television, radio podcasts and media platforms [4].

By 2023, the NGO had positioned itself as a strategic watchdog, actively monitoring the implementation of urban strategies and increasing public pressure on local authorities to follow through on their mobility and sustainability commitments. Living Street contributed to public workshops, collaborated with experts across Estonia and Europe and pushed for better infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians [4].

In 2024, the focus expanded to deeper community engagement. The organization began working directly with neighborhoods to interpret development plans and evaluate whether projects met local needs. It emphasized the importance of active mobility for health and well-being, particularly for children and the elderly, and advocated for integrating green spaces, small businesses, and multifunctional design into urban planning [4].

Analysis and Lessons Learned

Living Street NGO experience from 2021 to 2024 highlights the critical importance of civic pressure and strategic communication in ensuring city governments follow their promises. One key lesson has been that well-written strategies, such as Tallinn’s Bicycle Strategy and Development Plan 2035, are only as effective as their implementation — making independent monitoring and advocacy essential. The local engagement is also essential offering citizens tools like the POGSE method and ways to participate fosters ownership and amplifies impact. Additionally, maintaining a non-partisan stance and building cross-sector alliances with residents, businesses, and planners has strengthened credibility and resilience. Challenges remain in overcoming institutional bureaucracy, but Living Street’s work demonstrates that citizen-led initiatives can meaningfully influence urban development when they combine data, design and community.

Author

Anton Näreinen

See Also

https://elavtanav.ee/

References

[1] Elav Tänav. 2025. [online] Available at: <https://elavtanav.ee/> [Accessed 7 May 2025].

[2] Delfi. 2021. Täna astus ellu parema linnaruumi eest seisev MTÜ Elav Tänav: „Tallinna tänavatel peab olema hea nii 8- kui ka 80-aastasel.”. [online] Available at: <https://www.delfi.ee/artikkel/93571923/tana-astus-ellu-parema-linnaruumi-eest-seisev-mtu-elav-tanav-tallinna-tanavatel-peab-olema-hea-nii-8-kui-ka-80-aastasel> [Accessed 7 May 2025].

[3] Mittetulundusühingu Elav Tänav põhikiri. 2021. [online] Available at: <https://media.voog.com/0000/0048/3629/files/MT%C3%9C%20Elav%20T%C3%A4nav%20p%C3%B5hikiri.pdf> [Accessed 7 May 2025].

[4] Facebook. 2025. Elav Tänav. [online] Available at: <https://www.facebook.com/elavtanav?locale=et_EE> [Accessed 7 May 2025].

[5] DHV Environment and Transportation. 2005. Sustainable safe road design: A practical manual . [online] Available at: <https://www.transpordiamet.ee/sites/default/files/documents/2021-10/safe_road_design_manual_final.pdf> [Accessed 7 May 2025].