Tag Archive: SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

  1. TUMI updates its course on Exploring the World of Electric Mobility

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    Source: TUMI / Future Learn

    An updated TUMI (Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative) six-week e-learning course, Exploring the World of Electric Mobility: Key Concepts and Strategies, is available for enrollment, in both English and Spanish.

    The updated course launches on October 7. Participants will learn how e-mobility can help create sustainable cities, with a comprehensive overview of issues relating to electric mobility. Topics include technology, policy, and environmental perspectives, and the course will enable participants to understand and develop mobility solutions for sustainable cities.

    The technology aspect will cover how electric vehicles including bicycles, buses and cars are constructed and powered, and will look at the technical components of e-mobility, from batteries’ raw materials to charging modes and infrastructure.

    The policy aspect will review government policies and implementation strategies in regard to e-mobility, and a discussion on how electric vehicles can be used to create more liveable cities and a greener economy.

    The environmental aspect will enable participants to assess the costs and benefits of e-mobility, covering topics such as energy consumption, battery recycling, and gender equity in transport. Case studies will demonstrate how innovations in e-mobility have helped make transport systems around the world more sustainable.

    You can enroll on the course here.

  2. Draft Standard Heavy Weight Carrier Cycles: Have Your Say

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    At this very moment, the public enquiry for prEN 17860-4, Heavy weight carrier cycles – Mechanical and functional aspects, is underway. This means that the draft text of the standard is freely (without charge) accessible, albeit in English only. You can retrieve the text of the draft on the website of your national standardisation institute. If you work in the heavy-weight carrier cycles industry, this is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the standard at a very early stage and even to provide input on the draft of the standard.

    You can submit any comments on the draft text directly to your national standardization institute. For Belgium, you can do this online through the special portal where all draft standards are available for review. If you cannot find the relevant draft standard on your standardization institute’s website or if you’re unsure how or where to submit your comments, it is best to contact your institute directly for assistance. The list of all national standardisation institutes is here: https://standards.cencenelec.eu/dyn/www/f?p=CEN:5.

    CEN will close this public enquiry on October 10th. However, national standardization institutes set earlier deadlines to allow enough time to compile comments and forward them to CEN. For example, the Belgian NBN’s deadline is September 16th.

    Another way to provide feedback on the draft standard is to send your comments to SBS expert Eddie Eccleston at eddie@leva-eu.com. Eddie is an SBS-expert in TC333, specifically focused on protecting and advocating for the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

    Through his so-called mirror committee, Eddie will forward all individual comments directly to CEN. However, your comments must reach him before October 1st.

    If you wish to become a permanent member of his mirror committee, please request this via email as well. Eddie will then keep you regularly updated on developments related to standards for electric (cargo) cycles in CEN TC333 and inform you about all public enquiries on draft standards that can be commented on. Membership of his mirror committee is free of charge.

    If you are not yet fully familiar with standardization or if you have specific questions about it, we would like to refer you to the comprehensive briefing in which LEVA-EU and SBS attempt to answer all questions related to standardization. This comprehensive resource is now available for free, accessible via the following link: https://vqr.vc/Ejy0eaDbu.

  3. Annual POLIS 2024 Conference programme released

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    POLIS, the European cities network, also announces registrations are open for its event on 27-28 May in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

    Source: POLIS

    Annually POLIS gathers urban stakeholders including regional policy makers and practitioners, researchers and consultants from Europe and beyond to discuss their latest achievements in city mobility. This year it looks forward to welcoming them to the conference to take part in 32 sessions and 2 high-level plenaries.

    Registered attendees will also be invited to explore sustainable urban mobility initiatives that are taking place in Karlsruhe and Baden-Württemberg. 6 site visits will give attendees the chance to see innovations including Karlsruhe’s tram-train system and underground, autonomous vehicles and energy efficient public transport solutions.

    Attendees can register at the early bird price of EUR 350 + VAT until 30th September, and for POLIS members, three of their representatives can register free of charge.

    To read the drafted programme and access registration click here.

  4. International Energy Agency Workshop on Light Electric Vehicles

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    The IEA Task 50 cordially organises a workshop to exchange information and discuss the status of vehicle technologies and production concepts for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) including opportunities and hurdles on:

    Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
    10:00 AM – 16:30 (CEST)
    Click HERE to join the workshop
    Access Code: 9pWpAs

    Or join in person:
    155 bis avenue Pierre Brossolette
    92120 Montrouge (near Paris)


    LEVs currently have a niche status on the vehicle market and so their potential for more sustainable mobility is not being exploited. In order to play a significant role in mobility and be competitive at the market, a number of factors need to be considered. New concepts, alternative ways of production and ways to guarantee sustainability criterias need to be addressed. An important aspect is also the price for LEVs, which could be reduced through cost-efficient vehicle concepts and innovative technologies. In addition, regulations should offer optimal framework conditions for the promotion of LEVs, while at the
    same time ensuring quality and safety standards. We would like to provide information and discuss questions such as:

    • Which current networks and initiatives for LEVs exist internationally?
    • How can LEVs be produced cost-efficiently bymutualization of parts and distributed factories?
    • What potential do new vehicle classes such asM0and intermediate vehicles provide?
    • What are region-specific challenges (Europe, Asia, …)and cooperation opportunities?
    • What are main benefits and which hurdles have to be overcome?

    One of the speakers is Annick Roetynck, LEVA-EU Manager, who will explain what regulatory changes are needed to unlock the potential of light electric vehicles.

    The full agenda is here: https://rb.gy/sd6y58

  5. 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?

  6. New Distribution Partner for MAHLE in Iberia: Bike Difusion

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    Electric mobility brand expects new partnership to significantly enhance availability of its product range for Spain, Portugal and Andorra.

    LEVA-EU member MAHLE is pleased to announce Bike Difusion as its new distribution partner for the Iberian region.

    Bike Difusion, based in Vitoria, Spain, will use its leading expertise to significantly optimize MAHLE’s offering, and deliver outstanding distribution for the aftermarket in Spain, Portugal and Andorra. Since its creation, the company’s goal has been to offer quality and innovative products to the cycling market, which perfectly matches the DNA of MAHLE SmartBike Systems.

    The partnership officially begins from April 15th, and is expected to greatly increase the availability of MAHLE accessories and spare parts for customers, including its innovative X20 and X35 Systems, Range Extender, and eShifters.

    The MAHLE team believes Bike Difusion’s extensive sales partner network will help its customers feel much more supported in experiencing their eBike systems and accessories, and will also enable the brand to reach a larger number of cycling enthusiasts.

    MAHLE SmartBike Systems looks forward to an enriching journey as it continues to lead and expand in the e-bike market.

    For more information:

    MAHLE Website: https://mahle-smartbike.com/
    Bike Difusion Website: https://www.bikedifusion.com/

    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.

  7. World Record Attempt for Largest Charity Delivery by Cargo Bike Ever

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    Under the leadership of the Belgian TV personality Pedro Elias, the world record for the “Largest Charity Delivery by Cargo Bike” is (hopefully) going to be set on the 20th of April in Antwerp.

    Antwerp residents are called upon to bring their unused or new personal care products (such as skin creams, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, towels, shampoo, etc.) on Saturday 20th of April to the bike shop of Fietsen De Geus in Antwerp.

    From the shop, all cargo bikes will ride in convoy to deliver the items to Kamiano, an organization for the homeless. An official bailiff will register the number of cargo bikes participating, which will be noted as the record attempt. Those without cargo bikes but still wishing to donate products are welcome to ride along or place items in one of the cargo bikes.

    Lieven Jacobs, communication manager of Fietsersbond, praises the charity initiative: “This record attempt is a heartwarming way to bring attention to a very serious issue, namely poverty, in a positive manner.“

    Stijn Wens, founder of mobility blog Antwerpenize and cargo bike club Team Bullitt Hangover, adds: “We find it wonderful that the bike, which might just be the most social and fair way to travel, can contribute to reducing societal problems. For this reason, we are happy to support this action.“

  8. Dublin to restrict “through” trips by private and commercial vehicles

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    Source: The Irish Times

    Dublin’s councillors have welcomed plans to limit the movement of non-public transport traffic in the city centre, in a move designed to end the dominance of cars using the streets as a through-route, in favour of cycling and walking

    The restrictions on the movement of private cars and commercial vehicles travelling through Dublin city centre are set to be in place by August 2024, according to Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan when the Dublin City Centre Transport Plan was presented to the city council traffic and transport committee in February. Dublin City Council asserts that currently, two out of every three cars using the city streets do not have the centre as their destination, but are instead travelling through.

    The plan includes limiting parts of the city’s north and south quays to public transport only, and introducing restrictions on where traffic can turn. Motorists will still be able to access the city centre’s businesses and car parks, but the plan aims to make through-travel less feasible.

    The plan and its measures have enjoyed broad approval, with a report on public submissions showing more than 80 per cent support for the measures, and positive comments from various city council representatives. Sinn Féin councillor Larry O’Toole said he looked forward to safer cycling and more efficient bus services under the plan: “This will be prove to be a very ambitious but brave development in the city.” Fine Gael councillor Paddy McCartan said, “Dubliners are now saying it’s time to call a halt to the inexorable march of the motor car. We are all familiar with rat runs in housing estates, but in effect what people are doing is using our city streets as a vast rat run to go through the city when they have definite other alternatives.” The committee meeting also heard from Richard Guiney, chief executive of business organisation DublinTown, who said the reaction from the business community was “overall positive”.

    Speaking at an event to publicise the allocation of €290 million in “active travel” funding for walking and cycling across the State, Mr Ryan described the positive effect the Dublin traffic plan would have: “People will see a transformation this August when we take the through traffic out of the city centre. That is going to make a huge change in Dublin. We will see a tipping point where we will see a large increase in cycling and walking as a mainstream form of transport for our city.”

    As well as the Dublin traffic plan, the Statewide Active Travel Investment Programme for 2024 is set to fund around 800 new and existing projects. Included are the Fairview to Amiens Street Cycle Route in Dublin, the Marina Promenade Pedestrian and Cycle Facilities in Cork, the Father Russell Road Cycle Scheme in Limerick, the Waterford Sustainable Transport Bridge, the Ballaghaderreen Town Development in Co Roscommon, and the One-Way Active Travel scheme in Donegal Town.

  9. POLIS 24 calls for speakers and sponsors

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    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.

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