Tag Archive: finland

1. Interview – Tampere, Finland. Winner of the 10th Award for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning

   16/09/2022 17:47 Comments Off on Interview – Tampere, Finland. Winner of the 10th Award for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning

   Source: European Mobility Week

   EuropeanMobilityWeek catches up with Deputy Mayor Aleksi Jäntti of Tampere, Finland, to discuss the award’s meaning for the city and its future sustainable endeavors.

   “As a rapidly growing urban area, Tampere is working to create a liveable, inclusive city for all. Its multidisciplinary approach to sustainable urban mobility planning empowers its residents to make healthier mobility choices that are active, safe, and environmentally friendly. The City’s winning sustainable urban mobility plan includes an impact assessment of the effect that mobility campaigns have on the local population. The plan also spotlights low-carbon mobility, road safety, vulnerable groups, smart mobility solutions, physical and mental well-being, accessibility, and low pollution levels to ensure a holistic approach to mobility.”

   “What does winning the Award for Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) Award mean for Tampere?

   Winning the SUMP Award is a great pride and joy! Our City’s development and work to promote sustainable mobility has really been recognized. The Tampere City Strategy introduces Tampere as ‘the city of action.’ Last year, 2021, is more than excellent proof of this: Our SUMP was accepted, and both new and improved possibilities for sustainable mobility were introduced.

   The award, for its part, shows that we are on the right track and encourages us to go on with the implementation of measures and sustainability.”

   “How does sustainable mobility fit into Tampere’s vision for a sustainable, resilient city?

   “It fits very well! The goal of carbon neutrality sets the target for the future modal split in Tampere. But sustainability goes far beyond only reducing emissions. The shift from individual motorized transport towards public and active mobility modes takes Tampere’s goals forward from the perspective of climate and environment, as well as safety, well-being, equality, and economy. Sustainable transport, both for people and freight, is also space-efficient, which is an import aspect for a growing city like Tampere.”

   “EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK recently launched a new slogan: #MixandMove. How does Tampere encourage multimodal approaches to transport? Why is this important?

   Integrating different forms of mobility is crucial when we want to decrease emissions, shorter individual motorized trips, and offer people more flexible access to mobility. Additionally, multimodality can also improve the cost-effectiveness of public transport, especially in sparsely populated areas.

   In Tampere, multimodality can take the form of city bikes, robos or e-scooters used to reach tram stops easily; a demand-based taxi brings someone to take a local train or a network of Park&Rides by truck line routes.

   In addition to infrastructure and new services, mobility management is needed to change the mindset for new possibilities. Also, digital technologies and smart traffic management can play a significant role. Therefore, improving multimodality needs cooperation between the public sector and private providers.”

   

2. Finnish Transport Ministry proposes €400 electric bike subsidy

   22/03/2018 14:56 Leave a Comment

   Source Yle – Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications is proposing a subsidy of up to 400 euros annually for anyone who buys an electric bicycle.

   An electric bicycle or e-bike has a built-in electric motor and rechargeable battery that helps with propulsion. They typically sell for 1400-3,000 euros in Finland, with some simpler models beginning around 700 euros.

   If approved, the rebates would be handed out by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency (Trafi). The plan is to open an online application system on 1 July 2018. Subsidies could be obtained retroactively for any e-bike bought after 1 April.

   Funds from ‘bioeconomy and clean solutions’ programme

   The money would be paid out of budget funds earmarked to support the acquisition of electric cars and the conversion of gas and ethanol cars between 2018 and 2021. Thus the plan would require a revision of legislation aimed at supporting the purchase of low-emission cars.

   The proposal is part of a government plan to encourage walking and cycling, which is to be unveiled on Friday.

   That, in turn, falls under the centre-right coalition’s overall programme to boost what it calls ‘bioeconomy and clean solutions’. Environmental groups such as the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation have expressed sustainability concerns about the programme, which calls for expanded use of renewable natural resources.

   The Finnish e-bike market

   Electric bikes are becoming more popular across Europe, but Finland has lagged behind the trend. That could change if the proposed subsidies are introduced.

   That price issue is a key factor in the relatively slow adoption of electric bikes in Finland. Whereas in Germany e-bikes make up 15 percent of bike sales, in Finland the figure for 2016 was less than one percent.

   According to Matti Koistinen of the Finnish cycling association, e-bikes are slowly becoming more common.

   “We are reaching a point where everyone will know somebody with an e-bike,” said Koistinen. “When you can ask an acquaintance for tips, and there are more e-bikes about, the market will take off.”