Tag Archive: initiatives

  1. Awareness campaign launched on shared transport in Rotterdam’s peripheral neighbourhoods

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    Source: Mobycon

    The ShareDiMobiHub initiative focuses on encouraging the use of shared transport among groups that currently make limited use of such services.

    In Rotterdam’s peripheral neighbourhoods, the adoption of shared mobility tends to be lower, and cost is often cited as a barrier. To address this, residents in four peripheral neighbourhoods are being offered a €50 monthly travel credit for two months. This credit can be used for electric shared bicycles, cargo bikes, and scooters. The aim is to improve access to shared transport and to assess its potential value for these communities.

    Awareness campaign

    Mobility consultancy Mobycon is responsible for coordinating the awareness campaign associated with this initiative. The campaign is designed to inform residents about the travel credit and to encourage participation. Around 16,000 residents received an informational letter, and several trial events were organised to allow individuals to test the shared vehicles and ask questions. To support new users, two mobility coaches have been appointed. The initiative also leverages local social media channels and the networks of neighbourhood managers to engage a broader audience and lower the barriers to participation.

    Research and monitoring

    As part of the project, research is being conducted to evaluate its impact. Data is being collected through surveys, usage statistics, and group discussions to determine whether the combination of financial incentives and outreach efforts leads to increased use of shared transport. The research also explores the potential for long-term behavioural change and a shift towards more sustainable modes of transport. Coordination with European partners is included in the scope of the project, building on experience from previous collaborations such as BITS and MegaBITS.

    Contributing to sustainable urban mobility

    This initiative illustrates a practical approach to involving residents in the mobility transition. It supports the broader goal of creating smarter, more sustainable, and accessible urban transport systems.

  2. Project Europe launches to support young entrepreneurs

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    Source: Silicon Canals

    Project Europe has been established as an independent initiative to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Unlike traditional programmes, it operates without political affiliations or ideological ties.

    The initiative is designed to encourage young entrepreneurs to take risks and transform their ideas into viable businesses. According to its website, Project Europe aims to develop into an independent organisation that supports grassroots entrepreneurship, with contributions from founders and partners for future cohorts.

    A key objective is to help startups with European roots while allowing founders the flexibility to expand internationally. Whether they establish remote-first companies or relocate their businesses, the initiative focuses on ensuring they build strong foundations before scaling globally.

    Backed by experienced founders

    Project Europe has received support from over 125 European founders who are committed to mentoring and investing in emerging entrepreneurs.

    The programme is open to individuals under 25 who are developing technology-driven solutions to complex challenges. There are no formal education or prior funding requirements, only a clear vision and a commitment to building in Europe.

    Each year, Project Europe selects 10-20 founders at the early idea stage and provides an initial investment of €200,000 in exchange for 6.66% equity if leading the round.

    Structured support system

    To assist participants in developing their businesses, Project Europe offers:

    • 1:1 Mentorship: Founders receive guidance from experienced partners.
    • Masterclass sessions: Sessions on sales, product development, and growth, led by industry experts.
    • Annual retreat: A gathering for each cohort to network and collaborate.
    • Access to 20VC media: Support for content, marketing, and distribution.
    • Guidance from European founders: Advice from established entrepreneurs backing the initiative.

    By providing financial support and structured mentorship, Project Europe seeks to help young innovators build successful ventures from the ground up.

  3. Registrations now open for EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK 2024 and MOBILITYACTION

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    Source: European Mobility Week

    EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK is the European Commission’s flagship awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility. Towns and cities are warmly invited to register for EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK, in preparation for the event taking place from 16 – 22 September.

    The updated registration system means that towns and cities are able to easily register the activities they plan to carry out. This will allow the event organisers to better understand and assess the impact of the campaign. Participating cities are strongly encouraged to implement all three activities.

    The activities can include:

    • Organising activities focused on sustainable mobility during the event week
    • Implementing one or more permanent transport measures throughout the year
    • Holding a “Car-Free-Day”

    It’s important to note that only the official local authority of the participating town or city may register on behalf of that city.

    Click here to register for EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK 2024.

    Can’t wait until 16 – 22 September to promote sustainable urban mobility and encourage behavioural change?

    NGO’s businesses, civil society organisations, citizens initiatives, schools and local administrations are called on to register at any time throughout the year for MOBILITYACTION.

    The initiative aims to promote sustainable urban mobility and encourage behavioural change towards this end. The organisers are interested in hearing about activities that have been organised to promote sustainable urban mobility at any time during the year. Examples of these activities may include, cycling to work schemes or employers encouraging employees to use public transport. EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK is interested in your organisations’ success stories.

    The actions should promote behavioural shift towards sustainable mobility culture and should be of a promotional rather than technical nature.

    Register a MOBILITYACTION here.

  4. ‘Universal Basic Mobility’ pilot begins in Oakland, California

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    Source: CitiesToday

    Oakland’s local Department of Transportation (OakDOT) has recently introduced a Univeral Basic Mobility Pilot, aiming to reduce dependency on cars, and remove the financial barriers limiting alternative modes of travel.

    Oakland residents can benefit from US$300 credit, valid for use with sustainable modes of transport – this includes public transit, bikeshare, and shared e-scooter options. In its first stage, 500 pre-paid debit cards were distributed to interested participants at random; if the pilot receives longer-term funding after evaluation in spring, more residents will be selected from the waiting list.

    Oakland Mayor, Libby Schaaf shared, “Oakland is a place where our drive to innovate with our public services matches with our community values, and I’m so proud that OakDOT is proving the value of that pairing once again with this pilot effort.”

    Additionally, the scheme integrates community-based organizations to provide education on alternate transportation options. In the long-term, Oakland hopes to transform the way residents think about transport, causing a modal shift and moving away from a dependency on cars.

  5. Close to 400 applications for cargo bike subsidy in Saxony, Germany

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    Source: SAZ Bike

    Over 2021, a total 386 funding applications were submitted in Saxony by clubs, companies, municipal and special-purpose associations.

    Since March 2021, Saxony has offered a subsidy of up to 500 euros for bicycles and up to 1500 euros for pedelecs. Organizations can apply to have up to five companions sponsored each year, with a further 700,000 euros available in 2022 to continue building on the scheme’s success. Economics Minister Martin Dulig (SPD) shared, “The continuously high number of applications shows that there is a great need for such means of transport. Especially in urban areas, the cargo bike has great potential as an agile and environmentally friendly means of transport.”

    While there has been minor criticism of the program as it finds its feet, there is no denying the transformative effect it is having on communities in Saxony. Highlighting the massive potential of green transport methods.

  6. The Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI) and the urban mobility SOLUTIONS network are calling for cities from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America to become involved as leading city, take-up city or training participants

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    The SOLUTIONS network and the UEMI are looking for take-up cities to work together on the implementation of sustainable urban mobility measures. This is part of a new partnership with the European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) and the European Green Vehicles Initiative (EGVI) as part of the EU-funded project FUTURE-RADAR.

    As part of an effort to deliver on the New Urban Agenda the team invites cities to help assessing the opportunities for sustainable mobility concepts in their wider context of sustainable urban development. The mission of the SOLUTIONS and UEMI partnerships is to support the take-up of sustainable urban mobility solutions in cities across the world and foster the integration of urban electric mobility solutions into sustainable transport strategies.
    Join the global effort !

    A wide range of cities will be involved throughout the different project phases. The focus will predominantly be on ‘second-tier’ cities, rather than mega-cities. The regions targeted represent different levels of maturity in terms of experience with sustainable urban mobility related actions. This will be addressed by adopting different approaches for these regions. Cities, as well as local and national officials can now apply to become involved in the UEMI and the SOLUTIONS network for one of the different city categories.

    Further details are here: http://www.uemi.net/call-for-change-maker.html