Tag Archive: events

  1. International Cargo Bike Festival goes mainstream

    Comments Off on International Cargo Bike Festival goes mainstream

    Source: Nieuwsfiets / Fietsberaad

    Photo credit: ICBF / Tom Parr

    The International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) takes place on 25-26 October at the Jaarbeurs Expozaal Beatrixgebouw event venue in Utrecht, and sees a focus shift from purely B2B, with family-friendly activities alongside panel discussions and the chance to check out cargo bikes from a wide variety of exhibitors

    The ICBF was founded in 2012 with the intention of demonstrating that cargo bikes are suitable for transporting children and can also be effective in ‘last mile’ city logistics as an alternative to traditional vans. Organisers Jos Sluijsman and Tom Parr stated, “Our goal is to inspire the world to stop using cars and vans and start using cargo bikes instead. That’s why we’ve declared the 2020s the decade of the cargo bike. Why? We believe that the cargo bike will become mainstream in this decade. The potential impact is huge, so join us and let’s make it happen together.”

    The event brings together manufacturers, designers, engineers, logistics partners and other users to exchange ideas through a program of panel discussions. The annual festival started out in 2012 as ‘BakfietsTreffen’ in Nijmegen, and has become increasingly international over the years. It took place outside the Netherlands for one year in 2018; the next year, when the festival took place in Groningen, there were representatives from 40 countries. Last year in Amsterdam, participants from India and African countries were present for the first time.

    Panel discussions and keynote speeches

    On Friday 25 October, Karen Vancluysen from POLIS Network will deliver a keynote discussion on the evolution of urban mobility networks.

    On the topic of diversity, a panel including Nüwiel founder and CEO Natalia Tomiyama, Angela van der Kloof from Mobycon and others will share experiences from underrepresented groups in the cargo bike industry, and explore how to facilitate their contributions and remove barriers to participation.

    Two separate panels will examine the role of cargo bikes in inner cities’ zero-emission zones. This hot topic for both entrepreneurs and policymakers will be discussed by speakers from, among others, the municipality of Utrecht, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and ARUP. Additionally, Dr. Tom Assman from the Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, will present his research on autonomous cargo bikes.

    On Saturday 26 October discussions begin with a panel led by Cycling Industries Europe exploring and reflecting on the results of the European survey on bicycle logistics service providers. This will feature representatives from the French, Belgian and German national bicycle logistics federations.

    An afternoon session welcomes speakers from Mali, Nigeria and South Africa to look at developments in African cargo bike and bike logistics, while community organizer Cathy Tuttle offers insights into Portland’s ‘Weird, Wild and Wonderful’ cargo bike culture.

    All panel session and speeches will shared on the ICBF YouTube channel after the event.

    Several side events take place alongside ICBF, a LEVA-EU parallel session on Friday 25 October at 12:00, which aims to guide participants through the complexities of LEV standardisation.

  2. New Utrecht venue and dates for ICBF 2024

    Comments Off on New Utrecht venue and dates for ICBF 2024

    The International Cargo Bike Festival will take place on 25-26th October at Jaarbeurs Utrecht

    The International Cargo Bike Festival (ICBF) has announced its 2024 edition, which will be held at Jaarbeurs in Utrecht, Netherlands, from October 25-26. This marks the festival’s first time in Utrecht, a city celebrated for its robust cycling culture and cargo bike-friendly infrastructure. The event will be held independently, rather than as part of a larger conference as in previous years, yet it will still align with Dutch Cycling Week, an initiative promoting cycling across the Netherlands.

    Jaarbeurs, located in the heart of Utrecht, offers an ideal venue for the festival, with ample space for exhibitions, test tracks, and networking opportunities. The festival will showcase the latest innovations in cargo bikes, reflecting their increasing importance in sustainable urban mobility. Attendees can expect a dynamic program that includes demonstrations, discussions, and opportunities for both industry professionals and the public to engage with the latest trends in cargo biking.

    ICBF 2024 aims to further the conversation on the role of cargo bikes in transforming urban transportation. With Utrecht as its new home, the festival is poised to attract a broad audience, from local enthusiasts to international stakeholders, reinforcing the city’s status as a leader in cycling innovation.

    For more information, visit the official ICBF announcement.

  3. Registration Opens for Annual POLIS Conference 2024

    Comments Off on Registration Opens for Annual POLIS Conference 2024

    The annual POLIS Conference, a premier event in the field of sustainable urban mobility, is now open for registrations for its 2024 edition.

    Scheduled to take place in Leuven, Belgium, on April 17-18, 2024, the conference will gather policymakers, mobility experts, industry leaders, and urban planners from across Europe and beyond. This year’s theme, “People and Places,” reflects the conference’s commitment to exploring how urban spaces can be reimagined to prioritize sustainable transport and improve quality of life for citizens.

    As the leading network of European cities and regions working on innovative transport solutions, POLIS has a longstanding tradition of hosting conferences that foster collaboration and knowledge sharing. The 2024 event is offering a comprehensive program that includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to learn from the latest research, engage with cutting-edge projects, and discuss policies that can drive the transition towards greener, safer, and more inclusive urban mobility.

    One of the key highlights of the conference is the opportunity for participants to visit Leuven’s state-of-the-art mobility projects. As a city known for its forward-thinking approach to urban transport, Leuven serves as an ideal backdrop for discussions on sustainable mobility. Participants can expect to gain first-hand insights into successful strategies for reducing car dependency, enhancing public transport, and promoting active modes of travel such as cycling and walking.

    The POLIS Conference is not only a platform for exchanging ideas but also a space for shaping the future of urban mobility. With challenges like climate change, congestion, and urbanization intensifying, the conference will focus on innovative solutions that can address these pressing issues.

    Registrations are now open, and those interested are encouraged to secure their place early. More details about the conference program and speakers will be announced in the coming months, promising an event that will be both informative and inspiring for all those involved in the field of sustainable urban mobility.

  4. EVS 38 call for abstracts opening soon

    Comments Off on EVS 38 call for abstracts opening soon

    After a successful edition in Seoul, the International Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition (EVS) is set to return to Europe. EVS 38 will be held from June 15th to 18th, 2025, in Gothenburg, Sweden.

    The call for abstracts will open on June 3rd, 2024. Researchers and professionals in the field are encouraged to seize this opportunity to submit their work for consideration by the scientific committee. Key dates for the submission process are as follows:

    • June 3, 2024: Abstract submission platform opens
    • November 1, 2024: Deadline for abstract submission
    • February 26, 2025: Notification of acceptance or rejection
    • March 26, 2025: Deadline for presenter registrations
    • April 28, 2025: Deadline for submission of full articles

    Gothenburg, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and home to pioneering transport companies, will host this premier event dedicated to electric transportation, technologies, and industry innovation. The city’s initiatives, such as the Gothenburg Green City Zone, underscore its dedication to creating a greener urban environment.

    Stay tuned for further updates on EVS 38. Organisers look forward to welcoming visitors to Gothenburg for this pivotal event in the e-mobility sector. For more information, contact the EVS 38 via the information in the website footer.

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

    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.

  6. POLIS 24 calls for speakers and sponsors

    Comments Off on POLIS 24 calls for speakers and sponsors

    Billed as Europe’s leading sustainable urban mobility event, the conference provides an opportunity for cities and regions and other stakeholders to showcase their transport achievements

    POLIS, the leading European network of cities and regions dedicated to advancing innovative technologies and policies for local transport, has issued a call for dynamic speakers and sponsors to participate in the Annual POLIS Conference 2024. Scheduled for November 27 and 28, the event will take place in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and will focus on fostering innovation and celebrating achievements in the realm of urban mobility.

    The Call for Speakers is officially open, welcoming submissions until April 26, 2024. With a spotlight on 43 diverse priority topics related to urban mobility, the conference invites speakers to share insights, results, and lessons learned from their mobility initiatives. From technical parallel sessions to interactive workshops and discussions, the platform aims to explore and showcase innovative solutions within each chosen topic.

    Abstract submissions must emphasize the innovative dimension of proposed solutions within the selected topic. Successful speakers will be notified in June 2024, just ahead of the release of the draft Conference program and the commencement of registrations.

    In addition to the Call for Speakers, POLIS encourages companies, organizations, and initiatives to enhance their visibility through 13 available Sponsorship and Exhibition packages. The Call for Sponsors and Exhibitors is now open, and interested parties can download the Sponsorship form to apply. For customized sponsorship and exhibition packages, individuals can contact Alexia Collignon at acollignon@polisnetwork.eu and Julie Lucca at jlucca@polisnetwork.eu.

    The conference offers a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among European local and regional authorities, industry players, research centres, universities, and NGOs. Since its establishment in 1989, POLIS has been a driving force in promoting sustainable mobility by deploying innovative transport solutions. The network facilitates partnerships and collaboration throughout Europe, aiding its members in accessing European research and innovation funding and results.

    Interested speakers may submit their abstract here.

  7. Urban Mobility Days 2023 wraps in Spain

    Comments Off on Urban Mobility Days 2023 wraps in Spain

    Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, visited the three-day conference to engage with attendees and topics in the mobility sector.

    The Urban Mobility Days 2023 conference, held in Seville, Spain, was organized by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Mobility & Transport (DG MOVE), in collaboration with the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU. This significant event attracted over 800 participants from various parts of Europe and beyond, with both in-person and remote attendance options. The conference served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, insights, and innovations in the realm of sustainable urban mobility.

    Key topics discussed during the event included the establishment of a common European mobility data space, strategies for facilitating a Just Transition, and methods for integrating shared-mobility solutions into the urban mobility landscape. Given that 2023 was designated as the European Year of Skills, the conference also placed a special emphasis on developing and honing transport-related skills.

    Attendees were encouraged to engage with the panel sessions and explore the exhibition, with the hope of gaining inspiration for the promotion of sustainable mobility practices within their respective communities. The conference made recordings and materials available for those unable to attend in real-time, providing a valuable resource for all interested parties to access and review. Photos from the event were also made accessible for further reference.

  8. Velo-city 2024 Ghent calls for abstracts

    Comments Off on Velo-city 2024 Ghent calls for abstracts

    Velo-city is an annual event organised by the European Cyclists’ Federation in cooperation with a different city every year. The ethos of the event is about more than going to a conference with an exhibition, it references joining a community of passionate people who are there to take action and make a difference.

    The event is now open for submission of abstracts, with applications closing on November 3rd 2023.

    The core theme for the event is Connecting Through Cycling, where participants are invited to share ideas, projects, data, stories, and initiatives in front of a global audience. Sub-themes for consideration include:

    Connecting through Cycling
    Connecting people and communities
    Connecting regions, cities and neighbourhoods
    Connecting cycling with other modes
    Connecting industries and sectors

    The general call for abstracts welcomes those working on cycling, sustainable mobility, urban planning or any other related field who would like to present at Velo-city 2024 Ghent, and is open to anyone who is working towards achieving better cycling for all.

    The academic call for abstracts is an opportunity for students, researchers or employees of a University or a research institution where you are researching cycling, sustainable mobility, or any other related field, and would like to present your insights.

    For more information and to apply, visit the Velo-city call for abstracts page.

  9. TRA VISIONS 2024 contest registration opens to transport researchers

    Comments Off on TRA VISIONS 2024 contest registration opens to transport researchers

    The Transport Research Awards offer accolades for young and senior researchers across 5 categories, plus an honorary award

    TRA 2024 (Transport Research Arena) will take place in Dublin, Ireland from the 15th – 18th of April and is the foremost European transport event covering all transport modes and aspects of mobility. The winners of two the two TRA Visions competitions will be announced at the 2024 event, along with an honorary awardee. The registrations are divided as follows:

    The TRA VISIONS 2024 young researcher competition: A young researcher competition seeking to stimulate interest among young researchers and students in sustainable transport. The registration period will be open until 30/06/2023.

    The TRA VISIONS 2024 senior researcher competition: A competition for senior researchers in the field of innovative transport concepts based on results only from EU-funded projects. The deadline for entry is 14th September 2023 23:59 CEST.

    In addition to the above, a “special honorary award” will honoring a “very” senior researcher who is about to complete or has already completed their career, and who has through the years made an outstanding and well-recognized contribution to transport-related research and innovation in their respective field.

    The organization explains,

    “Both competitions cover all transport modes (road, rail, waterborne, airborne and cross modality) in line with the EC policy objectives for smart, green and integrated transport. The S&T objectives are to nurture the best transport researchers in Europe, promote the alignment of their interests with those of transport stakeholders, encourage them to participate in the conference and celebrate their achievements. The process is two-way: students are inspired by the presentations at the main conference and mature researchers are inspired by the research and vision of the young.”

    The competitions are divided into five categories, each per transport mode, with participants being able to choose which of the ways they will submit their project:

    Road, Rail, Waterborne, Airborne, Cross-Modality

    Interested parties are invited to join a series of half-hour webinars which will detail the application process, timeline, and prize:

    MAY:

    8th, 13-13.30 CET
    17th, 13-13.30 CET
    24th, 13-13.30 CET

    JUNE:

    1st, 13-13.30 CET
    8th, 13-13.30 CET
    14th, 13-13.30 CET