Tag Archive: Mobility

  1. Dutch university predicts 2050 mobility scenarios

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    Researchers and experts from TU Delft have presented a new report, Mobility Futures, outlining four potential Dutch mobility scenarios for 2050. The study aims to guide government, industry, and research institutions in making informed decisions about sustainable transportation systems.

    Developed by a multidisciplinary team of 18 researchers, known as the Mobilisers, the scenarios provide a strategic framework for addressing the complex challenges associated with mobility. The findings were presented on 16 January 2025, as part of the Technical University of Delft’s 183rd anniversary celebrations.

    Mobility as a ‘wicked problem’

    The report highlights the intricate trade-offs involved in shaping future mobility systems. Deborah Nas, coordinator of the Mobilisers and professor of Strategic Design for Technology-Based Innovation, described mobility as a “wicked problem”, where solving one issue often creates new challenges.

    “When thinking about a better and more sustainable mobility system, complex dilemmas arise in which we inevitably have to compromise on some goals,” says Deborah Nas, the Mobilisers coordinator and professor of Strategic Design for Technology-Based Innovation . “That is why I call mobility a wicked problem: an attempt to tackle one aspect almost always exposes new problems. Our strategic future exploration with the four scenarios helps to make better-informed decisions for the future.”

    The four mobility scenarios

    The Mobility Futures report categorizes its 2050 mobility projections along two key dimensions:

    • The level of government intervention
    • Societal attitudes towards technology

    Each scenario explores its impact on various aspects of mobility, including active mobility, public transport, automated vehicles, logistics, aviation, and data-driven solutions. Below is a summary of how active mobility (walking, cycling, and micromobility) would evolve under each scenario:

    1.Innovation Fast Track (Market-driven, technology-embracing society)

    • Rapid adoption of micromobility solutions for both passenger transport and parcel delivery
    • Compact urban planning and car-free zones encouraged
    • Regulations ensure environmental sustainability and pedestrian-friendly design

    2.Hyperconnected Systems (Strong government intervention, technology-embracing society)

    • Significant public investment in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
    • Data-driven solutions to enhance safety and optimize travel conditions
    • Sustainable transport behaviour promoted through government initiatives

    3.Sustainable Slowdown (Strong government intervention, cautious approach to technology)

    4.Mobility Patchwork (Minimal government intervention, society sceptical of new technology)

    • Cities structured around the 15-minute city concept, prioritizing local travel
    • Travel budgets allocated to citizens to limit excessive travel and emissions
    • Community-managed shared mobility programs, such as neighbourhood-run bike pools

    4.Mobility Patchwork (Minimal government intervention, society sceptical of new technology)

    • Uncoordinated and inefficient mobility landscape
    • High availability of micromobility options, but unequal access due to lack of government oversight
    • Limited efforts to improve infrastructure, with focus only on ensuring basic accessibility

    Future implications

    The report emphasizes that future mobility strategies must balance innovation, regulation, and accessibility to create efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable transport systems.

    The full Mobility Futures report can be accessed here.

  2. New report offers guidance on measuring new mobility services in cities

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    Source: International Transport Forum

    The report from the International Transport Forum (ITF) provides a framework to help cities measure and monitor the impact of new mobility services such as ride-hailing, shared scooters, and bike-sharing systems.

    The publication, titled “Measuring New Mobility: Case Studies and Best Practices”, offers practical recommendations drawn from ten global case studies to support policymakers in designing effective data reporting and monitoring systems.

    As new mobility services continue to integrate into urban passenger transport systems, local authorities face the challenge of understanding their benefits and mitigating potential negative impacts. Accurate measurement and data collection are essential to guide policy interventions, ensure public safety, and maintain sustainable urban mobility.

    This report builds on a previous ITF publication, which introduced a classification framework for new mobility services and proposed a series of performance indicators to help cities track the impact of these services. The latest report takes a more hands-on approach by analysing real-world examples and offering practical policy insights to improve data management practices.

    Key policy recommendations

    The report provides a series of actionable recommendations for policymakers looking to implement new mobility data frameworks:

    • Limit data reporting requirements to essential information that public authorities need to fulfil their mandates.
    • Coordinate data collection efforts with existing reporting and measurement initiatives to reduce duplication and inefficiencies.
    • Align data reporting processes across all levels of government to ensure consistency and accuracy.
    • Develop the capacity of public authorities to collect, process, and analyse mobility data, ensuring that data-driven policies are informed by reliable insights.

    These recommendations are intended to streamline data collection efforts while maximising the usefulness of new mobility data for public authorities. The report emphasises the need for collaboration between local and national governments, as well as partnerships with private mobility operators, to ensure the accuracy and completeness of data reporting.

    Global case studies offer practical lessons

    The report draws from ten international case studies, showcasing examples of cities that have successfully implemented new mobility data frameworks. These case studies highlight best practices in areas such as data standardisation, public-private data sharing agreements, and the use of mobility data to inform transport policies.

    Cities featured in the report illustrate how effective data collection can enhance urban mobility planning, improve safety standards, and reduce environmental impacts. The insights gained from these case studies offer a roadmap for cities looking to incorporate new mobility services into their existing transport systems.

    Upcoming webinar for policymakers

    To further support public authorities, the ITF will host an “Ask the Author” webinar on January 21, 2025, providing an opportunity for policymakers and stakeholders to ask questions directly to the report’s authors and gain further insights into the implementation of new mobility measurement frameworks.

    With new mobility services playing an increasingly important role in urban transport, the report underscores the importance of data-driven approaches to ensure these innovations contribute to sustainable, efficient, and equitable mobility systems.

    The latest report can be directly accessed here.

  3. How larger and heavier cars impact Brussels’ road safety and environmental goals

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    Source: Fietsberaad Crow

    The growing prevalence of larger and heavier cars in the Brussels-Capital Region conflicts with road safety and environmental objectives, as analysed by Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment in their report, Larger and Heavier Cars. The report examines the causes of this trend and suggests measures to curb the rising weight of the vehicle fleet.

    Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment are public agencies responsible for mobility and environmental policies in the region. Drawing on a literature review, statistical analysis, and expert discussions, they studied the increasing presence of large, heavy cars in Brussels and across Belgium. Their findings cover the causes, impacts, and potential interventions to address this issue.

    Rising Vehicle Mass

    Between 2013 and 2023, the average mass of private vehicles registered in Brussels grew by 10%, while company cars saw a 17% increase. Additionally, company cars are approximately 250 kg heavier than newly registered private vehicles. Vehicles are also becoming wider; since 2018, newly registered cars average over 180cm in width.

    Impacts on safety, space, and emissions

    Heavier vehicles offer greater protection to their occupants, reducing their risk of serious injury or death in accidents. However, this comes at the expense of others, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or occupants of lighter vehicles, whose risk of harm increases significantly. In Brussels, this risk disparity is even more pronounced than in the rest of Belgium.

    Larger vehicles also demand more space, often exceeding the dimensions of existing parking spots and impeding efforts to allocate public space for active transportation modes. Their bulk hinders urban greening initiatives, and their weight exacerbates wear-and-tear emissions from tires, brake pads, and road surfaces.

    For petrol and diesel cars, the additional weight has offset reductions in CO₂ emissions. Meanwhile, heavier electric vehicles require larger batteries, increasing the demand for raw materials and emissions during manufacturing.

    Causes of the trend

    The growth in heavier vehicles is driven by several factors:

    1. Industry marketing: Automakers prioritize heavier and larger vehicles due to higher profit margins, limiting the availability of lighter, more affordable options.
    2. Tax policies: Belgian fiscal policies do not consider the weight of electric vehicles, unlike fuel-powered cars. Additionally, the fiscal regime for company cars encourages the selection of heavier, more luxurious models.
    3. CO₂ standards: European CO₂ emission standards fail to incentivise a reduction in vehicle mass.

    Proposed measures

    To counter this trend, Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment recommend several measures, including:

    • Implementing a weight-based kilometre charge to discourage heavier vehicles.
    • Tightening parking policies to limit the entry of heavy cars into the city.
    • Designating zones where heavy vehicles are prohibited.
    • Banning public advertising for large and heavy cars.

    These proposals aim to address the safety and environmental challenges posed by the increasing share of larger, heavier vehicles in the Brussels-Capital Region.

  4. Bicycle use in the Netherlands continues to rise according to Key Mobility Figures 2024

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    Source: Fietsberaad Crow

    In 2023, the Dutch traveled approximately 187 billion kilometers within their own country, an increase from 2022 but still 8% below pre-pandemic levels. However, the number of kilometers traveled by bike or on foot has grown since 2019 and is expected to continue rising. These findings come from the biennial Key Mobility Figures 2024 report by the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy (KiM).

    Cycling accounted for 17.9 billion kilometres in 2023, about 1% more than in 2019 and 5% more than in 2022, making up roughly 10% of total kilometres traveled. On average, individuals cycled slightly less than in 2019, with per-person distances dropping from 1,090km annually to 1,065km in 2023. Electric bicycles now represent 38% of all cycling kilometres, a significant rise from just 6% a decade ago. While e-bikes have partially replaced traditional bicycles, the total distance traveled on regular bikes still grew by 2% between 2022 and 2023.

    Future Trends

    KiM projects that by 2029, bicycle use will increase by 11% compared to 2023. The use of electric bicycles is expected to grow by 40%, while distances covered on regular bicycles may decline by 7%. The report also highlights the growing diversity of electrically assisted or motorized two-wheelers on the road, some of which blur the classification between bicycles and other vehicle types.

    Walking and Remote Work

    The Dutch traveled 8% more kilometres in 2023 than in 2022, but 8% fewer than in 2019. Despite the reduction in total kilometres, travel time remained comparable to 2019, largely due to a 33% increase in walking distances since 2019. The decline in overall travel is primarily attributed to a rise in remote working.

    About Key Mobility Figures

    The Key Mobility Figures 2024 report provides a 10-year retrospective and a five-year outlook on mobility trends, including data on travel distances, travel time, accessibility, traffic safety, and the living environment. Published every two years in even years, the report complements the more comprehensive Mobility Image report released in odd years.

    Click here to read the full report.

  5. Mobility study on Parisian residents published

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    Source: Paris Region Institute, D. Nguyen-Luong

    The Paris Region Institute has announced findings from its GPS Mobility (EMG) survey, conducted eighteen months after the COVID-19 pandemic.

    This study looks at the mobility activities of Parisians from October 2022 to April 2023, compiled to help define and improve urban planning and transportation in the Île-de-France region, which houses the city of Paris and surrounding areas. The sample number of participants consisted of 3,337 residents aged 16-80, who used a GPS tracker to record their weekly mobility trips.

    Estimated daily mobility numbers

    The most traveling occurs during the working week of Monday to Friday, with 34.5 million trips taking place, which then decreases to 29 million on Saturday, then 19 million on Sunday, respectively.

    Vehicle modes commonly used

    The car is used the most in the outer suburbs, and for city residents, public transport is the most common form of transportation. In terms of the bicycle, this vehicle represents 30% of trips in the Île-de-France region, with more city residents using them than the car.

    The unique nature of mobility on Friday

    On Friday, the survey has found that the amount of people entering and leaving the Île-de-France region triples in comparison to Monday. Also, it is the day that the largest proportion of people work from home (40%), instead of commuting to work.

    Weekend mobility results

    It has been revealed that during this period, more residents use the car and less use public transportation compared to the working week. Modal use of the car rises from 34% to 42% and public transport use decreases from 26% to 18%.

    Origin of users traveling on Paris’ BP ring road

    The Boulevard Périphérique (BP) is a famous road that borders the city of Paris, and is thought to be one of the busiest roads in France. The study found that 80% of those that use it, live outside of the city itself.

    More findings from the study can be accessed here. The Paris Region Institute also plans to conduct a weekly mobility study for 2024-2025, to expand on its mobility research.

  6. British disability charity criticizes e-cycle bans as an inappropriate reaction to the minimal fire risk they pose

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    Source: eBike Tips

    Wheels for Wellbeing has expressed significant concern regarding the potential bans on e-cycles by various UK organizations, including Transport for London (TfL), several NHS trusts, and other public entities.

    These groups are contemplating prohibiting e-cycles from being parked or utilized on their premises, while insurers and landlords are increasingly withdrawing permission for e-cycles to be stored in residential settings.

    The charity argues that such bans on e-cycles in public areas and the indirect prohibition in private homes through insurance and tenancy agreements are “inappropriate, disproportionate, and discriminatory,” especially given the low fire risk associated with legally compliant e-cycles, as acknowledged by both the government and fire services.

    Wheels for Wellbeing emphasizes that restricting e-cycles from homes, public transport, and key locations due to a minimal fire risk overlooks the critical role these vehicles play as mobility aids for many disabled individuals, who often lack alternative transportation options.

    In December 2021, TfL implemented a ban on e-scooters across its entire public transport network, although e-bikes are not currently included in this restriction. Recent reports indicate that some insurers are refusing coverage for e-bike retailers due to concerns over fire hazards, despite many bike shops opting not to service unbranded or unknown battery packs.

    In a recent statement, Wheels for Wellbeing urged organizations to review the Department for Transport’s fire safety guidelines regarding e-cycles. They are advocating for employers and landlords to develop policies on e-cycle usage and storage that effectively address legitimate safety concerns related to illegal and modified e-cycles, without compromising the mobility of disabled individuals.

    Insurers are urged to differentiate between safe, reputable, and legally CE marked e-cycle electrical sets and those that are dangerous, untested, and illegal.

    The recent King’s Speech introduced a bill aimed at mitigating the fire hazards linked to e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries, a move that has been positively received by Electrical Safety First (ESF) and the Bicycle Association (BA). This legislation targets “unscrupulous overseas suppliers” who distribute unsafe products through online platforms.

    Wheels for Wellbeing expressed to ebiketips their strong support for reasonable measures to curb the sale and use of hazardous and illegal batteries and devices. However, they caution that imposing restrictions or bans on the use and storage of safe, legal e-cycles by landlords, insurers, employers, and service providers would be excessive and could lead to more harm than good.

    They emphasized the need for any fire risk reduction measures to be based on evidence, proportionate, and properly focused.

    The charity is advocating for regulations to be expedited to combat the influx of dangerous, illegal e-motorcycle kits, modification kits, and substandard, unsafe spare parts entering the UK. Additionally, they urge the government to address the exploitation of gig economy delivery riders, who have been identified as a high-risk group for e-cycle fires in government guidance.

    They are calling on the government to revise regulations so that large organizations employing gig economy riders are held accountable for the safety and legality of the cycles and motorcycles used by these workers.

  7. Light Electric Vehicles needed in mobility transition

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    Dutch trade magazine, Verkeerskunde, reports on the LEVERAGE project partnership for optimizing the potential of Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs)

    Source: Verkeerskunde

    Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) are increasingly becoming a common sight in urban environments, encompassing e-scooters, e-steps, e-bikes, and micro cars. These vehicles present significant opportunities for enhancing sustainable mobility. They are virtually emission-free, occupy less space, and are appreciated by users for their efficiency and convenience. LEVs serve not only within cities but also as an effective means of pre- and post-transport for public transit.

    However, the integration of LEVs also brings challenges. Issues such as the nuisance caused by shared scooters in cities and safety concerns on cycle paths due to varying speeds are notable obstacles. Addressing these challenges requires innovative and courageous approaches. This need for bold solutions was highlighted during the kick-off event of the LEVERAGE project—a collaboration involving Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), Arnhem Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences (HAN), Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE), and various public and private partners.

    Eighteen partners have committed to the LEVERAGE project, aiming to maximize the potential of LEVs in making mobility more sustainable, thus contributing to the accessibility, livability, and safety of urban regions. The project emphasizes effective collaboration and knowledge exchange among academic, public, and private entities. The practical, research-oriented approach of LEVERAGE is supported by funding from Regieorgaan SIA, a part of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO).

    Four research areas

    The LEVERAGE consortium focuses on four key research areas:

    • The effects of LEVs on car ownership and use. For example: To what extent and for which target groups can LEVs offer an alternative to a first or second car?
    • The integration of LEVs into the existing mobility system. For example: how can LEVs be used to improve the journey to and from public transport stops and train stations?
    • The impact of LEVs on road safety and experience. For example: what influence do LEVs have on the safety and experience of cyclists and how do we keep our cycle paths safe?
    • Developing new action perspectives and policy development for governments and stakeholders. For example: how do we move from current regulation to proactive collaboration between shared mobility providers, carriers and governments?

  8. Who are the biggest mobility startup investors in Europe?

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    Source: Zag Daily

    Via ID and Dealroom.co. have published a new report on European Mobility startup investment called ‘State of European Mobility Startups 2023’, ranking EIT Urban Mobility, Bpifrance & the European Innovation Council as the three leading investors.

    The report looks at the European mobility startup fundraising environment against the backdrop of a globally declining venture capital market. It reveals that in 2023, European mobility startups secured funding of $9 billion, which was a 26% decrease from 2022.

    There is also positive news for the mobility sector, in that it is still listed as the third most funded industry in Europe. EIT Urban Mobility’s Director of Impact Ventures, Fredrik Hanell told Zag Daily that they had invested in over 100 startups in 1000 days.

    EIT Urban Mobility is an initiative formed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). EIT believes that there are various reasons for 2023’s decline in start-up funding, including market saturation, investors being more cautious after a brisk post-pandemic expansion, macroeconomic uncertainties, micromobility regulatory challenges, and a shift in consumer preferences may have also played a part in investor confidence declining.

    Even with numerous challenges, EIT will continue to push forward with its investment in the mobility sector.

    “Cities are looking for these solutions that bring a positive impact,” said Hanell. “By leveraging emerging technologies, forging strategic partnerships, and addressing evolving consumer needs, mobility startups can position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive landscape that goes beyond Europe. We believe this is where the landscape for mobility is going.”

    Mobility investment breakdown

    In 2023 E-mobility companies with a focus on EV batteries, EV charging and infrastructure shone brightly, with these start-up companies receiving the most funding, securing over 50% of total investment for the mobility sector.

    Hannell predicts that alternative mobility start-ups will have a surge in popularity this year.

    “Startups focusing on electric two-wheelers, e-motorcycles, and e-scooters are poised to attract attention as micromobility solutions continue to gain traction,” he said. “And following this logic, in 2024 I believe that initiatives aimed at extending battery life, especially of light vehicles, promoting battery swapping, and enhancing sustainability are likely to drive investment.”

    “Looking ahead, the future of mobility startups in Europe will likely be shaped by several key factors. The continued growth of electric vehicles, advancements in autonomous technology, and the rise of shared mobility services are expected to drive innovation and investment in the sector.”

  9. Satisfaction with mobility in German cities is falling

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    The German ADAC automobile club recently conducted a survey assessing the satisfaction levels of residents and commuters in 15 major German cities regarding urban mobility. The findings indicate a nationwide decrease in satisfaction compared to a similar study conducted in 2017.

    Source: SAZBike

    The ADAC Monitor 2024, titled “Mobile in the City“, focused on the experiences of car drivers, public transport users, cyclists, and pedestrians in cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. The results reveal a growing dissatisfaction with urban mobility, with car drivers expressing the highest levels of discontent. Conversely, pedestrians consistently reported the highest satisfaction levels in their respective cities, while public transport users maintained a steady level of satisfaction. Cyclists, though generally more content than car drivers, fell behind pedestrians and public transport users in overall satisfaction.

    Dresden and Leipzig retained their top positions from the 2017 survey, with Dresden showing improvement this time. Munich, Nuremberg, and Hanover were close behind, while Stuttgart, Cologne, and Duisburg found themselves at the lower end of the satisfaction scale. The survey also highlighted a notable decline in satisfaction in Saxony and across the nation. Dresden experienced a minor drop of four rating points, whereas Leipzig recorded a more substantial decline of 14 points. The overall average satisfaction score decreased by nine rating points, indicating a general dissatisfaction with urban mobility.

    ADAC emphasizes that the survey reflects the sentiments of mobile individuals in cities and does not provide an assessment of the actual state of infrastructure or mobility offerings. Helmut Büschke, ADAC Saxony’s board member for traffic and technology, underscored the importance of cities closely examining such surveys to address the consistent downward trend. He urged a holistic approach, emphasizing the need for ideas and adjustments across all forms of mobility rather than focusing solely on individual groups. As mobility dissatisfaction continues to rise, cities are encouraged to proactively respond to prevent further discontent among citizens and commuters.

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