Author Archives: LEVA EU

• Cargobike of the Year award and bicycle logistics conference to feature at IAA Transportation

  22/04/2024 22:39 Comments Off on Cargobike of the Year award and bicycle logistics conference to feature at IAA Transportation

  The “Cargobike of the Year” (CABOTY) award will be presented on September 19, 2024 as part of IAA Transportation 2024 at the Hanover exhibition centre. Applications can be submitted from June 1st to August 23rd, 2024. For the first time, the IAA Transportation 2024 will host the 5th bicycle logistics conference, which will take place on September 18th.

  Source: RadMarkt

  “At IAA Transportation we want to ask ourselves the question: What does the commercial vehicle industry need so that the Paris climate goals can be achieved? One thing is clear: cargo bikes can make a contribution to CO2 reduction and decarbonization in the last mile in cities. We are therefore very pleased that we can once again offer cargo bikes a central stage with the CABOTY Award,” says Jürgen Mindel, managing director of IAA Transportation at the Association of the Automotive Industry. Last year the award was presented at the IAA Mobility in Munich.

  The submitted cargo bike models will be tested on September 19th on the trade fair’s renewed cargo bike course, which simulates city street conditions with various obstacles. A jury made up of specialist journalists, scientists and industry experts judges in the categories “Light Cargobikes”, “Heavy Cargobikes” and “Cargobike Trailer”. The award ceremony takes place in the afternoon.

  Exhibitors can also experience their cargo bikes on the renewed course on the days of the trade fair from September 17th to 22nd. Located nearby is the IAA Last Mile Area in Hall 13, which is dedicated to innovations for last-mile logistics with exhibitors and a Speakers Corner with keynotes. Speaking slots can also be booked optionally by Cargobike exhibitors.

  5th Bicycle Logistics Conference

  The 5th bicycle logistics conference will also be held at the IAA Transportation 2024. The specialist conference for emission-free logistics with cargo bikes and trailers in Germany on September 18th will address topics such as services, infrastructure and economic efficiency as well as the potential for climate protection in order to discuss the continuing transition to emission-free and energy-efficient mobility. Around 200 participants are expected.

  “I am pleased that we are consolidating the cooperation that began two years ago. Cargo bikes are increasingly becoming a standard as a commercial vehicle in urban commercial traffic. The strong presence at IAA Transportation expresses this and shows guests a clear option for quickly switching to CO2-neutral, cost-effective vehicles,” says Tom Assmann, Chairman of the Bicycle Logistics Association.

• Research reveals low confidence in UK transport sector

  20:28 Comments Off on Research reveals low confidence in UK transport sector

  Zag Daily reports that a recent study from the Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR) has unveiled a significant trust deficit in the British public towards the national government when it comes to making local transport decisions. Only 13% of Britons most trust the national government with this responsibility, while local councils command the confidence of 37% of the populace.

  Source: Zag Daily

  Regarding political parties’ trustworthiness on improving public transport, 33% of the public trust the Labour Party, contrasting with just 13% who trust the Conservative Party. This information emerges in a context marked by increasing political debate around transport issues, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s remarks about a “war on motorists”, the polarizing implementation of low-traffic neighborhoods, and the Mayor of London’s extension of the ULEZ to encompass all London boroughs.

  IPPR Senior Research Fellow and co-author of the report, Dr. Maya Singer Hobbs, provided her insights to Zag Daily, critiquing the governmental rhetoric. “Westminster has attempted to divide people into ‘drivers’ and everyone else, but this is not reflective of how people think of themselves,” she said. “Most people who drive will also walk and take the bus or train, or cycle. This also ignores the fact that the transport system as a whole is failing people.”

  The report titled ‘Who Gets a Good Deal? Revealing Public Attitudes to Transport In Great Britain’ also highlights that one in five individuals are concerned about affording necessary transport. Moreover, in the past two years, 71% have modified their travel habits to decrease expenses. It identifies that individuals living in rural areas and those on lower incomes are disproportionately affected by the inefficiencies of the UK transport system, whereas those on higher incomes tend to fare better.

  Dr. Hobbs expressed the public’s dissatisfaction with the transport system and their high valuation of public transportation: “People agree that transport isn’t working for them, but the solution to this can be found in how highly people rate public transport,” she explained.

  The study also reveals that 53% of the population views public transport as essential for getting to work, significantly more than the 20% who consider car ownership necessary. Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents prioritize public transport over having a phone, and 43% rate it as more crucial than internet access.

  In light of these findings, as the UK approaches a general election, the IPPR has proposed six transportation priorities for the next government. These include implementing a comprehensive, shared multimodal transport strategy for England and allocating 10% of the transport budget to active travel by 2029. Additionally, the report calls for all buses in urban areas to be electric by 2030 and for a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2035.

  Dr. Hobbs advocates for a shift in funding strategies: “We would like to see an end to competitive short-term funding and move to longer-term, strategic, single-pot funding which in conjunction with greater devolution will allow mayoralties and local authorities to deliver ambitious transport networks,” she stated. “This funding will help ensure a wider network coverage and maintain an affordable bus fare cap. We would like to see greater powers for local transport authorities to franchise bus networks or deliver municipally owned fleets.”

  This comprehensive analysis by the IPPR clearly signals a call for sweeping changes in how transport policies are formulated and implemented, aiming for a system that better reflects and serves the needs of all citizens.

• Test e-bike with hazard detector at University of Twente

  19:37 Comments Off on Test e-bike with hazard detector at University of Twente

  The Smart Connected Bikes research program will conduct a practical test at the University of Twente in April with an electric bicycle with a hazard detector. Adults who regularly ride a normal bicycle or an e-bike can register to participate in the experiment.

  Source: fietsberaad CROW

  The Smart Connected Bikes experiment contributes to the development of systems that make cycling safer and more attractive. Participants in the study will wear a vest with sensors and have to make two rides on an e-bike with a hazard detector, totalling six kilometres. They must also complete a questionnaire. The research takes place at the University of Twente and lasts one to one and a half hours.

  Anyone who is 18 years or older and rides a bicycle or e-bike every week can register here to participate in the experiment. You can immediately choose a date and time. Participants receive a voucher of 10 euros. More information about the experiment can be found here and to ask questions you can send an email to smartconnectedbikes@utwente.nl .

  The Smart Connected Bikes research and innovation program aims to develop and test new technology to make cycling safer, more reliable and more comfortable. It is a partnership between the University of Twente, Accell Group, TNO, TU Delft and Saxion University of Applied Sciences.

• URBACT call for Good Practices is open

  19:13 Comments Off on URBACT call for Good Practices is open

  The URBACT program has announced an open call for submissions of Good Practices, open from April 15 to June 30, 2024.

  The initiative seeks to identify and recognize local practices within the EU that are effective, participatory, integrated, and have potential relevance and applicability across other European cities.

  Eligible for participation are cities from the 27 Member States of the European Union, as well as Partner States such as Norway and Switzerland. Additionally, cities from countries benefiting from the EU’s Instrument for Pre-Accession (IPA) — including Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia — along with Ukraine and Moldova, are invited to contribute their exemplary practices.

  Selected entries will receive substantial exposure and promotional opportunities. Among these, the URBACT City Festival, slated for April 8-10, 2025, in Wroclaw, Poland, will serve as a prominent platform to showcase these practices.

  For more detailed information on the benefits for selected submissions, interested parties can visit the URBACT website. Additional resources, including an infographic overview of the call, a link to the submission portal, and dates for upcoming informational sessions. This initiative provides a significant opportunity for cities to share innovative solutions and gain recognition at a European level.

• Green light for scooter scheme: important for affordable mobility in urban areas

  16:34 Comments Off on Green light for scooter scheme: important for affordable mobility in urban areas

  The Royal RAI Association welcomes the announced pilot for a subsidy program for electric mopeds and scooters. This new scheme offers low-income people a helping hand in the transition to zero emissions and ensures that they retain access to mobility. “This scheme is therefore essential for moped and light moped riders with a small wallet, especially where environmental zones are emerging,” says Martijn van Eikenhorst – Scooters section manager at the association and also chairman of Scooter Recycling Netherlands.

  Source: RAI

  Pilot subsidy scheme for electrification

  An amount of 3.5 million euros has been made available for the electrification of mopeds and mopeds for 2024 and the same amount for 2025. Municipalities can apply for money from this scheme to grant subsidies to minimum wage earners, with each municipality applying its own policy. Residents can then receive a subsidy for the purchase of an electric moped or moped. With this budget, it is estimated that more than 3,500 petrol scooters can be replaced with emission-free ones. The pilot scheme will open this summer, and the government will also start a promotional campaign for electric mopeds and scooters.

  Combating mobility poverty and offering freedom of choice

  This new subsidy scheme encourages municipalities to accelerate the electrification of scooters and mopeds. Municipalities often combine a scrappage scheme with subsidy offers for older scooters and mopeds, for example from before 2018, with the establishment of environmental zones. RAI Association attaches great importance to affordability and freedom of choice, especially for road users with limited financial capacity. They have often been riding their beloved moped or moped for years. Through this scheme they should be given the opportunity to purchase a new, comparable, but now electric vehicle. “Keep in mind that people want to choose a vehicle that suits them,” Van Eikenhorst emphasizes. “The moped and moped are then ideal for medium-long distances, commuting or a safe feeling in traffic late in the evening.”

  It’s the consumer and the government’s turn

  The manufacturers and importers of scooters and mopeds have taken the lead in electrification. The climate agreement expresses the ambition to only sell electric mopeds by 2025. Since then, and even before the government came up with concrete policy, electric mopeds and mopeds have taken off. By offering electric mobility early, the sector has already made significant progress. Of the mopeds registered in 2024, 50% are electric and the counter for electric mopeds reaches 32%. “The industry has taken its steps. It is now up to the consumer to choose electric. The government can now help with this with its policy.”

  Role of industry in the sustainable future

  RAI Association has actively contributed to setting up this pilot and welcomes its introduction by the cabinet. The association looks forward to further collaboration to accelerate the transition to emission-free mobility to realize a sustainable future, in which mobility not only remains accessible and affordable, but also contributes to a cleaner and healthier living environment. “RAI Association and Scooter Recycling Netherlands are discussion partners in various municipalities and cities regarding demolition schemes, environmental and zero-emission zones.” In response to the new subsidy scheme, Martijn van Eikenhorst, on behalf of the RAI Association, invites municipalities to get in touch about their sustainable ambitions.

  Read the letter to Parliament about making mopeds and light mopeds more sustainable here.

• INVERS publishes white paper: Microcars in European Carsharing

  15:55 Comments Off on INVERS publishes white paper: Microcars in European Carsharing

  The car share hardware and software company has released a white paper billed as an intro to the world of light electric vehicles and mini-mobility in carsharing.

  INVERS is a German company that develops and runs integrated hardware and software solutions for car sharing and car rental operators worldwide to launch and operate fleets at scale. The white paper focusing specifically on microcars features 5 countries and 17 operators, with commentary from 5 expert interviews. The company cite the lack of information specifically on microcars as their motivation for this publication. The focus of this white paper is to identify current examples of carsharing services with microcars and other light electric vehicles as of January 2024, and the content builds on existing insights by providing industry interviews and an analysis of the current market.

  Interested readers can visit the INVERS landing page to download the white paper.

• Sign up for 30 Days Less Car this June

  15:32 Comments Off on Sign up for 30 Days Less Car this June

  The Belgian initiative that aims to support members of the public in cutting down their car use is open for registrations

  30 Days Less Car, or 30 Dagen Minder Wagen is a campaign that runs annually in Belgium every June. The concept invites drivers to register to challenge themselves to reduce car usage, and they will be supported with tips, tricks and benefits, plus the motivation of thousands of other participants on the same journey. Incentives come in the form of several prizes to be won during the campaign, handy websites, a free ebook, and other updates, Plus users’ input will be consolidated into recommendations for better policies.

  Impressive stats from last year’s event reveal that 6,100 people took part, totalling up 125,000 car free days. 30 Days Less Car calculates this as 574 tons of CO2 saved.

  The team behind the initiative encourages participants to cycle more together, go out, car share, take buses, trains…and let the car sleep. Register for 30 Days Less Car here!

• UK data shows majority want increased funding for walking, cycling, and public transport

  13:08 Comments Off on UK data shows majority want increased funding for walking, cycling, and public transport

  British charity Sustrans has published its Walking and Cycling Index 2023, revealing that a majority (56%) of people want to see a shift in investment in road building schemes to funding options for walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport

  Sustrans’ Walking and Cycling Index 2023 is the largest independent survey of active travel in the UK. With compelling figures, the charity is calling for proper recognition of the public preference for prioritising active travel and public transport. The results also revealed greater public demand for active travel over driving, with 50% wanting to walk more and 43% wanting to cycle more, and third of people wanting to make greater use of public transport. By comparison, just 15% want to drive more. 24% want to drive less.

  Sustrans noted that these figures can give confidence to any moves taken by the next government in reaching Net Zero targets, and in hitting government targets of 50% of urban journeys to be walked or cycled in the next six years

  Xavier Brice, Chief Executive of Sustrans, said:

  “The evidence shows that people want to have the choice to walk, cycle, and use public transport. Moving forwards isn’t about forcing people out of their cars. It is about making it easy for people to travel how they would actually prefer to, which also improves public health, the economy and our environment.”

  The wider benefits of active travel

  • Sustrans’ data shows that, yearly, active travel benefits the 18 Index city economies by £6.1 billion.
  • And walking and cycling prevents over 21,000 serious long-term health conditions in those same cities.
  • In addition, journeys walked, wheeled or cycled in 2023 prevented 420,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions entering the atmosphere.

  Xavier Brice continued:

  “The UK is spending record sums on transport but the message from the public is clear. They want a real choice. They don’t want to be locked into driving a car because there are no other options. We’ve seen real improvement in the cities we’ve surveyed over the last 10 years, but there is a long way to go to make active travel work for everyone. Now the opportunity is for government at all levels to listen to what people want and shift future investment to options that benefit us all.”

  What the public wants to see

  The Walking and Cycling Index highlights public support for initiatives focused on making it easier for people to get around their neighbourhoods:

  • 65% support banning vehicles parking on the pavement with only 16% opposing
  • 58% support more cycle paths protected from traffic even if this removes space for cars
  • 50% support the installation of School Streets – closing streets outside schools to cars during drop-off and pick-up times. 24% disagree.

  Dennis, who lives in Manchester, explained her struggle to travel actively:

  “When the children were small I got forced onto the road while they were on the path as there was no space for the wheelchair. I couldn’t see them behind the parked cars. It was very upsetting. Unsafe pavements isolate people in their homes. When I was a manual wheelchair user I couldn’t go anywhere on the pavement. We need to design our neighbourhoods to suit people rather than cars. We should get rid of cars on pavements.”

  Head to Sustrans website to download the Walking and Cycling Index 2023.

• Antric donates to good cause via weniger e.V.

  12:19 Comments Off on Antric donates to good cause via weniger e.V.

  The cargo bike innovator has gifted an Antric One V4 to Weniger e.V. an association for people and organisations that want to embrace the idea of “less”

  Weniger describes itself as a learning and action space for impulses, suggestions and concrete implementations, where the strategies of sustainable development are also taken into account. More specifically, it is a legal entity that can be used by various projects, offering individuals and groups its brand and the infrastructure of a non-profit association. The aim is ensure that ideas are put into practice that contribute positively to the sustainability transformation of society. Various Weniger projects are designed to promote sustainable development, such as the “Paperless happy”, “CleanUp” and “Playground dwarves” projects.

  Antric‘s Cargobike offers a perfect solution with its cargobox and large load volume. “Specifically, we use the Antric for our work at and with primary schools in Witten, especially for our “MüTos – rubbish collection combined with romping around” programme. We also take part in the annual RuhrCleanUp on our cargo bike and transport the collectors’ heavy rubbish bags, because collecting rubbish is fun, lugging rubbish is less so. In general, the Antric offers us a mobility option for our numerous projects that fits in with our values,” says Patrick Schulz, employee of weniger e.V.. Antric began as a project in the Bochum University of Applied Sciences, and has been developing vehicles somewhere between e-bikes and electric cars since 2015.

  The feedback so far has also been extremely positive and has attracted a lot of attention on the streets of Bochum.