Author Archives: LEVA EU

• European grand alliance urges EU to find new ways to effectuate Green Deal

  29/04/2024 13:25 Comments Off on European grand alliance urges EU to find new ways to effectuate Green Deal

  Source: The Mayor

  
  The Local Alliance, a coalition of eight leading networks of regions and cities from across the continent, is dedicated to advancing the sustainable interests of local and regional communities. In a joint letter addressed to EU leaders, the Local Alliance emphasises that the success of Europe’s Green Deal will depend on the provision of more robust support for cities and regions. They urge the EU Commission to maintain its commitment regardless of leadership changes following the elections.

  Specifically, the Alliance calls for enhanced coordination in investment support from EU national, and regional funds, ensuring responsiveness to locally tailored and holistic action and investment plans. Such support is deemed essential for creating local jobs and markets for the European green industry. Recent challenges, such as delays in passing the Nature Restoration Law and challenges in phasing out internal combustion engines, are undermining the Green Deal’s objectives. As European elections approach, the EU must ensure it remains a global beacon for climate leadership.

  With the complexities of forthcoming climate legislation, local leaders stress the importance of the EU’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, ensuring an equitable transition for all.

  Cities’ role in the green transition

  Cities and regions are where at least 70% of the European Green Deal legislation must be implemented. European local and regional governments have already begun transforming their communities, emphasising sustainable practices in various aspects of daily life. Today, the EU’s subnational governments mobilise around 58% of climate-significant public expenditures, surpassing their central governments.

  “Cities and regions have proven their commitment to work with decision-makers at EU and national level to ensure a climate-neutral future for Europe. However, if the European Green Deal is truly to become a reality, the EU must empower local and regional governments with the funding, policies and cooperation mechanisms they need to ensure a just, resilient future for everyone,” said André Sobzcak, Secretary General of Eurocities.

  “European cities and regions have embraced the EU Green Deal and engaged their local communities in bringing about sustainable local change. We call on EU and national decision-makers to take the next step in providing clarity, financial support and meaningful cooperation mechanisms to help put policy into practice. In this EU election year, it is more urgent than ever to bring on board local governments as serious partners for shaping a sustainable, fair, democratic and just European future,” stated Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director, ICLEI Europe.

  Local leaders highlight that partnership between all levels of government is key as “Financing the local transition to climate neutrality will require mobilising the EU and national budgets.”

  Improving skills

  Cities and regions need adequate in-house skills and a workforce to successfully do their part for the climate neutrality transition and by doing so, to create demand for European businesses and industries.

  The Local Alliance reaffirms its dedication to collaborating with national governments, the European Council, the Commission, and the Parliament to translate the European Green Deal into tangible benefits for all citizens.

  The Local Alliance include the following organisations Eurocities, ICLEI, ACR+, CEMR, Climate Alliance, Energy Cities, FEDARNE, and POLIS.

• MD of Deutschen Städtetages speaks on e-scooter liability

  13:13 Comments Off on MD of Deutschen Städtetages speaks on e-scooter liability

  Source: Deutscher Stadtetag

  Helmut Dedy, Managing Director of the German Association of Cities, told the German Press Agency, “If e-scooters are misused or improperly parked, leading to accidents or damages, it must be clear who is liable. The best solution would be for the owner to be liable, as with cars. In this case, it would be the providers. If that is not the case, then those who use the scooters must be liable.”

  Dedy further stated, “This requires proof of identity. Other cities will definitely closely observe the developments in Gelsenkirchen. What all cities want are clear rules for e-scooters and more decision-making power for municipalities.“

  “Improperly parked scooters often become a tripping hazard. Many users do not follow traffic rules while riding, going too fast or riding where it is not allowed. Both could be prevented if Federal Minister of Transport Wissing finally allows so-called geofencing for e-scooters.“

  “This could, for example, prevent an e-scooter user from ending a ride in a location where parking is prohibited. With geofencing, it would also be technically possible to automatically limit the speed of scooters in certain areas, such as parks or pedestrian zones. So far, however, the Federal Ministry of Transport does not seem willing to do so, even though it is responsible for digitization and could enable a genuine digital innovation in the transport sector here.“

• SUPER73 outlines schemes to increase bicycle safety

  13:07 Comments Off on SUPER73 outlines schemes to increase bicycle safety

  Bicycle road safety and anti-theft measures available for SUPER73 customers

  American electric bike manufacturer, SUPER73, has announced that all of its bicycles can be insured with Interpolis, and will have the option to be linked with FRIS trackers, which enable real-time tracking for pinpointing stolen vehicles, whether they’re indoors or outdoors.

  SUPER73 has offered the FRIS tracker and mounting for free for April bicycle purchases. Customers have also been able to buy more bicycle safety products in its Amsterdam showroom, such as ABUS ART2-certified locks and a brand new range of helmets.

  The brand commits further to increasing the bicycle safety of its riders by organising traffic safety and awareness training for bike owners, parents, schools and cycling organisations. The training includes a basic induction to cycling rules, a group ride, and a demonstration of how to use the FRIS app for locking and tracking the bike.

  Visit the SUPER73 website to learn more.

• Podbike® FRIKAR™ Signature received by first customer in Germany

  13:04 Comments Off on Podbike® FRIKAR™ Signature received by first customer in Germany

  Advanced velomobile e-bike brand announces the initial shipment arrival of new fully enclosed street vehicle

  Podbike shipped its first batch of Podbike® FRIKAR™ Signature velomobiles in late February from Norway, and now the milestone of this model being picked up by its first customer has been reached in Bochum, Germany.

  This model has also recently made an appearance at the show E BIKE DAYS in Munich, Germany on April 26-28, with the next shipment being sent out soon.

  Podbike has additionally announced a new German service partner for its community, Radlalm, giving customers the convenient option to have their velomobile delivered to, and handled by a devoted team in Munich, as an alternative to existing partner Tri-Mobil in Bochum. Radlalm can also organise direct delivery to the homes of customers.

  These recent developments have added to an already exciting year for Podbike, its FRIKAR model won the award for “Most Innovative Sustainable Urban eMobility product – UK & Europe” at The Business Concept’s CSR Excellence Awards.

  

• EIT study: Logisticians can save massively with mixed fleets of e-cargo bikes and e-vans

  12:33 Comments Off on EIT study: Logisticians can save massively with mixed fleets of e-cargo bikes and e-vans

  A recent study conducted by EIT InnoEnergy, an organization dedicated to sustainable energy innovation supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), sheds light on the comparative advantages of utilizing e-vans and e-cargo bikes in terms of both costs and environmental impact.

  Source: Logistra

  The study emphasizes that employing a mixed fleet comprising both e-cargo bikes and e-vans proves to be more economically viable for logistics companies when compared to solely relying on e-van fleets. This shift towards mixed fleets is largely influenced by regulatory measures.

  Key Findings:

  1. Cost and CO2 Savings: The study reveals that deploying a mixed fleet consisting of 80% e-cargo bikes and 20% e-vans can lead to substantial annual cost savings, projected to reach 554 million euros by 2030, while concurrently reducing CO2 emissions in last-mile logistics by up to 80%. With the e-commerce sector witnessing annual volume increases of 8-14%, logistics companies are motivated to enhance profitability while mitigating environmental impact.
  2. Regulatory Influence: Regulatory initiatives, such as Stockholm’s impending ban on internal combustion engine vehicles within city centers, are compelling companies to transition towards decarbonizing their last-mile delivery services. In response to these regulatory pressures, the study provides insights into the feasibility and benefits of integrating e-cargo bikes into logistics operations.
  3. Cost Efficiency: Regardless of fleet composition and urban infrastructure, the study demonstrates that the use of e-cargo bikes reduces the overall cost per package compared to relying solely on e-vans. By 2030, the cost savings per package could increase significantly, offering substantial financial advantages to logistics companies.
  4. Benefits for Cities: Beyond monetary savings, the adoption of mixed fleets offers environmental benefits for cities, including a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions and the elimination of a significant number of delivery vehicles. Mixed fleets also alleviate pressure on local power grids and contribute to energy savings equivalent to the annual consumption of hundreds of households per city.

  Looking Ahead

  The study underscores the potential for collaboration between cities and logistics providers to maximize the benefits of mixed fleets. Public-private partnerships offer opportunities to optimize infrastructure planning, thereby realizing the advantages in terms of sustainability, land utilization, and cost efficiency. Ultimately, the study aims to provide decision-makers in Europe with valuable insights to manage escalating parcel volumes, uphold cost efficiency, and foster flexibility and sustainability in last-mile delivery operations.

• MAHLE announces new features in My SmartBike App

  12:26 Comments Off on MAHLE announces new features in My SmartBike App

  The My SmartBike application brings new features for its users, both for the cyclist and bicycle brands equipped with MAHLE systems.

  What all these new features have in common is the ability to offer a greater personalisation of the application, to give the cyclist a more attractive environment within which he/she can feel more identified, as well as to further personalise the way of riding with his/her eBike.

  My SmartBike App available for Apple Watch

  My SmartBike App can now be controlled through any Apple Watch model, allowing the user to start, stop and view a summary of their activity. They can also change the level of assistance or view other basic metrics such as battery status, heart rate or time en route, making it a perfect feature for urban users. The user must have the My SmartBike app open in the background to be able to use the Apple Watch together with the eBike.

  

  Anti-theft

  Another new feature of this update is the possibility of locking the electrical system assistance via the My SmartBike App. This new functionality is an excellent security complement to the manual lock.

  Choose how to start your journey

  With this new functionality, the rider will be able to configure how their electric bike starts, allowing them to select the level of assistance, the status of the lights, the configuration of the motor maps or if they want to use the Smart Assist to worry only about enjoying the route. This functionality depends on the user’s eBike model and the country where he/she is located.

  My SmartBike App now more immersive

  The customisation of the application environment with the bicycle manufacturer’s logo and colours allows the user to feel more identified with their tastes and enjoy a complete brand experience.

  

  For more information:

  My SmartBike App website: https://mahle-smartbike.com/digital-ecosystem/

  Descarga My SmartBike App iOS: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/mysmartbike/id1566348476

  Descarga My SmartBike App Android:
  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mahle.sbs

  MAHLE SmartBike Systems website: https://mahle-smartbike.com/es/

  MAHLE SmartBike Systems

  MAHLE SmartBike Systems is the specialized division for the design and development of drive systems for electric bicycles of the German MAHLE Group, an international leader in sustainable mobility solutions for the present and the future.

  The team, of more than 150 people, is made up of software and hardware engineers, industrial and electronic engineers, quality specialists, 3D designers, creative, production and materials experts and a long list of professionals to which are added another 80 people distributed in the different centers of the group in Spain, Germany, and Asia.

  With Palencia as the headquarters of this great project, MAHLE SmartBike Systems brings together the R&D, Marketing, Operations and Sales activities of MAHLE in the electric bicycle industry.

  MAHLE ultra-light and compact systems, consisting of the motor, batteries, controllers, components, and all types of intelligent solutions for electric bicycles, are integrated and perfectly interconnected with each other to offer the rider a fully customized
  experience. For all these features, more than 80 brands worldwide, including those whose innovation is revolutionizing the cycling industry, incorporate MAHLE drive systems as the perfect choice in terms of integration, cost and efficiency for electric mobility.

• 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.