Author Archives: Annick Roetynck

About Annick Roetynck

Annick is the Manager of LEVA-EU, with decades of experience in two-wheeled and light electric mobility.

• Second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference

  13/09/2021 10:31 Comments Off on Second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference

  The second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference will take place from 14 to 16 October 2021 in Beijing, China. It underscores the importance of sustainable transport for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change. It will build on the first Global Sustainable Transport Conference, held on 26 and 27 November 2016 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, which resulted in the “Ashgabat Statement on Commitments and Policy Recommendations”.

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  Transport enables the mobility of people and goods, enhancing economic growth and livelihoods while improving access to quality services, such as health, education and finance. It strengthens connectivity at all levels, helping integrate economies, improving social equity, enhancing rural-urban linkages and building resilience. At the same time, there is also recognition of negative environmental, social and health impacts. Close to a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions come from transport and these emissions are projected to grow substantially in the years to come, further exacerbating climate change. Other pollutants, most evidently in many urban centres, directly impact health; casualties and deaths from accidents are also on the rise. Increasing connectivity can be accompanied with increasing illicit flows of contraband. Without proactive measures, existing inequalities such as those due to disabilities, gender or remoteness can become even more entrenched, According to the report of the former Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Group, sustainable transport seeks to alleviate these negative impacts while “advancing economic and social development to benefit today’s and future generations—in a manner that is safe, affordable, accessible, efficient, and resilient”. Click here for more information on sustainable transport.

  The second Global Sustainable Transport Conference will draw upon discussions and action on sustainable transport in intergovernmental and other fora. Advances in sustainable transport will contribute to the attainment of many, if not all, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), outlined in the 2030 Agenda. Some SDGs are directly connected to sustainable transport through targets and indicators, such as SDG 3 on health, which includes a target addressing deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents (3.6), and SDG 11 on sustainable cities which includes a target on providing access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all and on expanding public transport (11.2). Many others are also connected through the enabling role of sustainable transport across the 2030 Agenda.

  The second Global Sustainable Transport Conference will bring together key stakeholders from Governments, UN system and other international organizations, the private sector, and civil society to discuss the integrated and cross-cutting nature of sustainable transport and its multiple roles in supporting the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. All modes of transport—road, rail, aviation and waterborne—will be addressed, and recent scientific and technological advances deliberated. The concerns of vulnerable groups, such as women, the youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and the poor, and of many developing countries, including least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing States, will receive particular focus. Key transport objectives, such as access for all while leaving no one behind, green mobility, efficiency and safety will be discussed.

  The programme of the Conference will reflect the diversity and complexity of the transport sector and will provide an opportunity for policy dialogue as well as forging partnerships and initiatives to advance sustainable transport.

  The Conference website is here: https://indico.un.org/event/1000216/

• Successful e-bike scheme helps reduce car trips in Peterborough

  07/09/2021 11:41 Comments Off on Successful e-bike scheme helps reduce car trips in Peterborough

  Source: Peterborough City Council –

  More than 3,000 journeys have been made as part of an e-bike trial in Peterborough, helping to reduce the number of short car trips in the city.

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  More than 1,000 riders have benefitted from the scheme which launched in January, helping to improve air quality and achieve a reduction of approximately two tonnes of CO2 thanks to people using the e-bikes instead of cars. In total, cyclists in Peterborough taking part in the trial have travelled more than 30,000km over the past eight months.

  The pilot project was set up by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, with the e-bikes supplied by European operator Voi. Initially, 20 bikes were placed across Peterborough, but this has since expanded to 37. And the scheme is now expanding further by covering Hampton and Hampton Hargate to encourage more people to replace their journeys into the town centre with e-bikes.
  
  It costs £1 to unlock the e-bike and then £0.15 per minute of usage. However, there are also 24 hour (£10) and 30 day (£40) subscriptions available that allow users to take an unlimited number of rides at a fixed rate. In addition, there are discounts for students and those on a low income. The e-bikes have to be left in pre-defined parking areas.

  Cllr Peter Hiller, Peterborough City Council cabinet member for strategic planning and commercial strategy and investments, said: “The success of the e-bikes trial has shown the appetite for sustainable transport in Peterborough, something we are keen to progress. This scheme has proven that being environmentally-friendly need not be a burden, with the e-bikes allowing for quick, cheap journeys while also improving air quality in the city. It’s also great to see that scheme will now expand in Hampton, allowing residents there to enjoy the many benefits e-bikes bring.”

  Cllr Nigel Simons, cabinet member for waste, street scene and the environment, said: “As a council we declared a climate emergency in 2019, and the success of the e-bikes trial shows our commitment to making our city a place where residents can enjoy the benefits of cleaner air.”

  Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “Projects that open up the opportunity for communities to choose a healthier, more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to travel across Peterborough, rather than using the car, will always receive my support. I’m pleased to see the e-bike trial area is already expanding to allow more people to make use of this green travel option.”

• Bye, Bye Eurobike

  06/09/2021 11:39 Comments Off on Bye, Bye Eurobike

  The doors of Eurobike in Friedrichshafen are now definitely closed. Just under 30 years of moaning about traffic jams to and from the fair, shortage of accommodation, overloaded Wi-Fi, too many sports bikes, too little sustainable mobility, a fair that for many participating parents coincided with the first day of school, … This year, every evening after the fair not hindered by any traffic jams, we drove to our terrace on the banks of the lake. As the sun set in an unparalleled panorama of mountains and water, we mused on our long history with Friedrichshafen and how, after all, we would miss it.

  At the show, we haven’t met many people who really thought the move to Frankfurt was a great idea. And no-one, including us, was happy about the new date.

  The main question, however, is what the Frankfurter Eurobike exhibition concept will look like. One major minus of Eurobike has always been the fact that the fair lagged too much behind the facts. Unfortunately, they continued to do so this year under the slogan “we have bikes, not cars”. A clear sneer at IAA Mobility, the fair in Munich, which is adding a significant chunk of light, electric mobility to its core concept this week.

  If Eurobike continues to cling to its “pure-bike concept” next year, there’s a good chance it will lose. There are too many light electric vehicle companies looking for a suitable and contemporary annual network platform. Whoever embraces all forms of light, electric mobility will win.

  As usual, LEVA-EU was present at Eurobike with a stand and information meetings. And that participation was a great success. Our agenda was fully booked with appointments with companies looking for further information about the LEV-market and a network that aligns with their activities. This week we will be visiting IAA Mobility to get a better understanding of ​​what would be the best platform for us and our members. In the meantime, perhaps Eurobike should consider a name change for 2022, something that includes the term “Light Mobility” instead of “Bike”.

• British government postpones mandatory UKCA marking by one year

  26/08/2021 15:24 Comments Off on British government postpones mandatory UKCA marking by one year

  The deadline for mandatory UKCA-marking instead of CE-marking has been postponed from 1st January 2022 to 1st January 2023.

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  As a result of BREXIT, Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) excluded from Regulation 168/2013, will no longer be subject to EU harmonized legislation requiring CE-marking, such as the Machinery, EMC and RoHS Directive. Instead they will become subject to relevant British legislation and compliance will have to be confirmed by means of the British counterpart of the CE-marking, which is the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed)-marking.

  Originally, UKCA marking would definitely replace CE-marking on 1st January 2022. Now the British government has changed its mind and extended the deadline with one more year to 1st January 2023. Until then, companies may continue to apply the CE-marking. However, should they wish they are also allowed to apply the UKCA marking. In any case, it should be one or the other, except for Northern Ireland where it is not allowed to use the UKCA marking. There, the choice is between either the CE-marking or the combination of CE- and UKNI-markings.

  All this concerns LEVs excluded from Regulation 168/2013, such as EPACs, e-scooters, self-balancing vehicles, etc. It has no effect on LEVs falling under the scope of Regulation 168/2013. However, for LEVs excluded from Regulation 168/2013 and classified as medical devices, such as e-bikes with handcranks, certain three- or four-wheelers, etc. the deadline is not 1st January but 1st July 2023.

  Below is the official communication of the UK-governement on their change of mind.

  “Businesses will have an additional year to apply new product safety markings for most products placed on the market in England, Scotland and Wales, the government has announced today (24 August).  
  The UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking allows the UK to have control over its goods regulations, maintaining the high product safety standards expected in the UK.
  Recognising the impact of the pandemic on businesses, the government will extend this deadline to 1 January 2023 to apply UKCA marks for certain products to demonstrate compliance with product safety regulations, rather than 1 January 2022.
  The UKCA marking replaces the product safety labelling the UK previously used while a member of the EU, such as the CE mark.
  Today’s announcement follows the government’s extensive and ongoing engagement with business groups and reflects the issues businesses have raised, particularly given the impact of the pandemic. Businesses must take action to ensure they are ready to apply UKCA marking by 1 January 2023, the final deadline.
  The government will continue to engage with manufacturers to ensure they understand what they need to do to get ready, including through a new series of webinars.”  

  Photo by Franz Wender on Unsplash

• German Electric Cargo Cycles in 2020

  23/08/2021 20:55 Comments Off on German Electric Cargo Cycles in 2020

  Last year in Germany, around 78,000 electric cargo cycles have been sold. This number represents a substantial growth of more than 43% compared to 2019. The German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV) estimates that electric cargo cycles represents ¾ of all cargo cycle sales, which was around 103,000 pieces in 2020.

  We have added these and more results to the LEVA-EU briefing Market Report 2020. Members receive this briefing for free. Non-LEVA-EU member can purchase the briefing including all updates to be published this year. If a company joins LEVA-EU within three months of first buying the briefing, that cost will be deducted from the membership fee.

  To obtain the briefing, simply send a mail daan@leva-eu.com with your company details and VAT number. This allows us to send you the invoice. You will obtain the briefing upon payment of the invoice.

  If you are looking for more information on the European LEV-market, you may want to consider joining LEVA-EU. All further details are here or contact Annick Roetynck at +32 9 233 60 05, e-mail annick@leva-eu.com.

  Source: ZIV.

  Photo credits: Flevobike

• Staff Changes at LEVA-EU

  17:18 Comments Off on Staff Changes at LEVA-EU

  Goodbye from Daan

  After more than 2 years at LEVA-EU, this will be my last week. A new opportunity has arisen, which will guide me to a municipality in the Netherlands.  

  I would like to specifically thank Annick Roetynck. Her knowledge of this industry makes it a real pleasure to work alongside her. The guidance from her side is much appreciated for me as a professional.  

  Good luck to LEVA-EU and other members of the team. Keep on pushing this important but sometimes neglected message to transform the way we move.  

  All the best for the future! 
  Daan van Dieren

  We, at LEVA-EU, are sad to see Daan go. He has worked as policy advisor for LEVA-EU for more than 2.5 years. We got to know Daan as an inquisitive and dedicated colleague, gentle and with his heart in the right place. Daan is also a true LEV-adept. We wish him every success in his new job.

  

  Hello to Willow and Lotte

  Most of Daan’s duties will be taken over by Willow Hu. She is also co-founder and director at Make It China and married to the other founder Dennis Hu. Dennis is also LEVA-EU’s Director of Chinese Affairs. Willow is based in Bristol (UK). She is familiar with the LEV businesses and speaks English and Chinese. Pending her LEVA-EU email address, you can reach her at the following address: willow@makeitchina.com.

  

  The LEVA-EU team is further strengthened with Lotte Buschmann, who recently started working as an intern. Lotte has just graduated from the VUB and will mainly assist LEVA-EU Manager, Annick Roetynck, in lobbying.

  Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

• The Promise of Low Carbon Freight

  16/08/2021 14:30 Comments Off on The Promise of Low Carbon Freight

  Source: Active Travel Academy, August 2021 – Cargo bikes could cut congestion and pollution in cities according to a recent study by Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster. Find below a summary of the study.

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  Freight transport contributes significantly and increasingly to climate change. In urban areas, goods vehicles contribute to deteriorating public space quality, air quality, and other road users’ safety. In London alone, between 2015 and 2017, vans and HGVs together were involved in 32% of total fatal collisions. The 213,100 vans owned by Londoners, when parked outside, occupy around 2,557,200 sqm of road space, the equivalent of just under twice the size of Hyde Park. The growing demand for home deliveries is predicted to worsen the situation, which will not be contained by shifting to less polluting vehicles alone.

  Cargo bikes, having become popular in several cities, can provide an alternative to the current damaging freight transport model which is increasingly relying on delivery vans. This report provides a study of the logistics potential of (electric) cargo bikes for urban deliveries. Using GPS data, the researchers compare routes taken by Pedal Me cargo bikes in London with routes that vans would have to take to deliver the same parcels.

  They find that the service performed by the Pedal Me freight cycles is an average of 1.61 times faster than the one performed by van. Moreover, in the 98 days of work sampled, Pedal Me helped save a total of 3,896 Kg of CO2 and over 5.5 kg of NOx, showing that cargo bikes can serve their customers better than a van without generating many of the externalities currently associated with urban freight.

  Previous systematic studies have estimated that just over half of all motorised freight logistics in urban areas could be done by (electric) cargo bike. They’ve assumed that at least part of this is immediately possible in London. The researchers estimate that expanding cargo bike services to replace 10% of the van-km currently driven in London would mean saving as much as 133,300 tonnes of CO2 and 190.4 thousand Kg of NOx per year. At the same time, it would reduce urban congestion and free a total of 384,000 sqm of public space usually occupied by parked vans and 16,980 hours of vehicle traffic per day.

  These benefits are not just specific to London, with the 100,000 cargo bikes introduced in Europe between 2018-2020 estimated to be saving, each month, the same amount of CO2 needed to fly about 24,000 people from London to New
  York and back, i.e. 80 Boeing 777-300 flying over 890,000 Km. The researchers conclude with some key recommendations for supporting the expansion of (electric) cargo bike freight in London and improving the roads for many that still struggle to use them safely.

  Find the complete study here.

  Photo credits: Bizze Bikes

• Offset Motorcycles Presents The OFR-M1

  12:35 Comments Off on Offset Motorcycles Presents The OFR-M1

  Source: Offset Motorcycles revealed its product vision for the first production bike – the OFR-M1.

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  The bike is a light off-road electric motorcycle with a clean and simple design that makes complex mechanics and hours of repair time a thing of the past. The bike has a powerful ride made possible by a mid drive 3 phase, high efficiency, air cooled, radial flux IPM PMS Motor with a peak power of 25 KW.

  Jakob Kistorp, Co-founder & CEO says ”We are extremely happy to be able to reveal the design. We have spent many months perfecting our product vision and we believe that the outcome is a reflection of that.”

  The bike comes with a 6.2 KwH battery pack which will keep you riding to explore the offroad environment without carbon or sound pollution for + 1.5 hours.

  Offset Motorcycles will open for pre-orders of the bike in 2022 and for now potential buyers can sign up for interest on the website.

  In 2022, Offset Motorcycles will also launch a street legal electric motorcycle. It will follow the same simplistic design DNA as the OFR-M1, but will be a dual-sport motorcycle geared towards the urban environment and the occasional off-road adventure.

• Start Making Space for People, Not Cars

  02/08/2021 11:03 Comments Off on Start Making Space for People, Not Cars

  Source: VanMoof – In late May this year, VanMoof supported the Berlin Autofrei initiative which campaigns to transform Berlin’s streets within the S-Bahn-Ring into car-reduced spaces. To inspire their Berlin-based riders to sign the petition, they teamed up with artist Martina Paukova to illustrate a vibrantly colorful imagining of Berlin as a biketopia on our Brand Store windows. VanMoof spread the word and hundreds of VanMoof riders signed the petition. While Berlin Autofrei is busy counting up the first round of the 195,000 total signatures needed to force a referendum, they are taking the next step to help bring their ideas that reclaim Berlin’s space for people, not cars, to life.

  VanMoof partnered with Berlin-based urban planner and sustainability specialist Tom Meiser, who plays a key role in the Berlin Autofrei initiative, to imagine tangible mobility solutions for the inner city of Berlin. Together with Tom, VanMoof has transformed five key traffic points into car-reduced, safe, and community-centric spaces to cater to the already shifting behavior patterns in Berlin and paint a vivid picture of the endless possibilities for the city center.

  So, how do we encourage more people to bike? At VanMoof, their believe is that the solution lies in creating the best riding experience possible in cities across the world. But to achieve a truly long-lasting urban mobility revolution, legislators must provide city-dwellers with safe and crucial infrastructure. Based on their own data collected in collaboration with YouGov shows that cyclists in Berlin don’t feel safe riding in their city. While the number of cyclists on Berlin’s streets increased by 22% over the pandemic, the number of cycling casualties increased nearly threefold. The data speaks for itself. A lack of safe spaces and necessary infrastructure for riders is dangerous and in need of urgent addressing.

  The Torstraße 42, home to VanMoof’s Brand Store, is just one area of Berlin that could benefit from a radical redesign. It’s currently a loud, congested six-lane road that’s the site of multiple accidents involving cyclists due to the absence of cycling infrastructure. Not tempted to ride down the Torstraße? Tom’s render splits up the road with a middle lane exclusively for public transport and taxis, and a segregated red bike lane to protect cyclists and minimise traffic conflicts. A green line for trees, flower beds, bike racks, and power plugs provides the necessary space and infrastructure for riders and pedestrians alike. Public life here becomes central, rather than sidelined in favor of cars. Phew. That’s better.

  

  The Rosenthaler Platz is a five-road intersection with no cycling infrastructure in place – one of the most dangerous roads for cyclists. Tom’s solution – which envisages a color coded bike roundabout to segregate it from the road and protected pedestrian crossings – embraces the potential for a safer, more inclusive and diverse public space. Picture a pedestrianized market square in its center, where you could sit under the shade of a tree while sipping your morning coffee. It’s too good an opportunity to miss.

  

  Find the complete article here.