Oslo achieves an EU first in the Mobility as a Service (Maas) sector, integrating bike sharing into its official public transport app as part of the MOVE21 project.
The Norwegian capital’s achievement comes thanks to a unique collaboration between Oslo’s public transport authority Ruter and global micromobility software platform Urban Sharing. With the Ruter app you are now able to locate your nearest bike share station in real time, check bike availability, hire with in-app payment, and unlock and start riding immediately.
How was integration achieved?
Urban Sharing onboarded the Oslo City Bike scheme onto its platform back in 2018. During a three-year development period, Ruter managed the front-end design of the app whilst Urban Sharing developed the unique Application Programming Interface (API) with all the necessary endpoints to make the app run smoothly. In 2023, the first of three roll-out phases began, with Ruter first testing the app to see if the integrated bike share offering worked for 500 users, eventually rolling out to 10,000 users, before updating the public transport app for its entire customer base.
What is MOVE21?
MOVE21 is an EU-funded innovation project that aims for participating cities to achieve a 30% reduction in transport-related emissions by 2030. The project supports cities to become zero-emission nodes for mobility and logistics through 15 unique initiatives. These initiatives are tried and tested on the ground in three Living Labs that are central to the project: Oslo, Gothenburg, and Hamburg. Three replicator cities – Munich, Rome, and Bologna – then copy the concepts before further ‘cascading cities’ review the findings in the context of their own streets. The initiatives span a huge range of innovations that look beyond transport as an individual sector.
The results?
Since the first pilot phase began in 2023, more than 11,000 people have hired out an Oslo City Bike through the Ruter app, tapping into a unique demographic of riders separate to those that hire through the long established Oslo City Bike app. Urban Sharing CEO Kristian Brink cites the potential of the service to grow in Oslo, with these recorded trips making up less than 1% of the 1.1 million journeys that Oslo City Bike recorded in 2024.
“It’s no easy feat integrating a brand new mode of transportation into a public transport app,” Brink told Zag Daily. “They can book the train. They can book the bike. They can pay, receive their ticket, unlock the bike all on one app. This is pure, seamless, European integration.”
MOVE21 hope to use the success of Maas intergration in Oslo as a case study and blueprint for the rest of Europe. Brink concludes: “Slowly but steadily, we are rewriting the travel experience for commuters. And this is something that Europe has achieved on its own.”
Both cities have joined the Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab, a research initiative set up by ETH Zurich with support from shared mobility operator Bolt. The project is designed to accelerate sustainable transport planning across Europe.
Seville and Hannover will work with leading academics from ETH Zurich to extensively study contemporary travel trends to optimise public transport and mobility hub investments.
Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab’s work with Seville
The fourth largest city in Spain, a prominent figure in sustainable urban mobility, will work with the research team to optimise mass transit infrastructure plans such as trams, additional metro lines and rapid bus transit. For the project, simulation modelling analysis will be conducted to balance technical feasibility and cost effectiveness, to ensure new services can work with active and shared mobility modes seamlessly.
Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab’s work with Hannover
Like Seville, Hannover has also made great strides in facilitating sustainable mobility with its Transport Transition Action Programme. The city will work with the Sustainable Urban Transitions Lab team on extensively studying current travel trends to enhance mobility hub deployment for regional train networks and shared mobility, as well as local public transport connections.
Connections between shared mobility and public transport
The research projects for both cities will also utilise shared mobility data from Bolt for their findings. Reportedly, 47% of Bolt e-scooter trips in Europe are used for connections with public transport, and an additional 20% of the users of its ride hailing journeys have no public transit alternative, demonstrating the role of shared mobility in connecting with city transportation networks and being used as an alternative for personal car use.
It is anticipated that both projects will support Seville and Hannover’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) which the trans-European transport network, TEN-T, now requires from its 431 urban nodes.
Modern Milkman, a certified B Corporation known for its environmentally conscious approach to doorstep grocery delivery, has announced the launch of a new electric cargo bike delivery service across South West London.
The initiative is part of the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while continuing to provide high-quality, locally sourced produce. According to the company, the newly introduced e-bike fleet emits 95% less carbon dioxide than traditional petrol-powered vehicles. Deliveries will be conducted overnight, with customers receiving their orders by 7:30am, up to three times per week.
Lucy Mooney, People and Brand Director at Modern Milkman, highlighted the motivation behind the expansion: “We’ve seen a gap in the market for fresh, high-quality produce, provided by British suppliers, to sort London’s essentials. Delivered overnight to doorsteps by our e-bikes, for a lesser impact on the environment, the size and agility of our fleet allows us to expand into the Southwest of London. We are excited to launch this and to get even more Londoners taking tasty, small steps to support British businesses as well as the planet.”
The company has confirmed that its current focus is to broaden its reach throughout London, with plans to introduce the e-bike delivery model to additional UK cities by 2026.
Modern Milkman’s expansion into electric-powered logistics is part of a growing trend among retailers seeking sustainable alternatives in the last-mile delivery sector, especially as consumer demand for eco-friendly services continues to rise.
The POLIS Network has officially launched a call for speakers for its annual event, inviting experts, innovators, and changemakers in sustainable urban mobility to present their ideas and projects to a global audience. Scheduled to take place on 26 – 27 November 2025, the conference is one of Europe’s leading platforms for cities and regions to exchange knowledge on transport innovation.
The conference offers a high-profile stage for speakers to present pioneering research and real-world projects to a diverse audience of policymakers, researchers, transport operators, and private sector leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to shape critical discussions around the future of urban and regional mobility while forging connections with key decision-makers across Europe.
The deadline for abstract submissions is set for 25 April 2025, with selected speakers to be announced in June 2025, coinciding with the opening of general registration.
POLIS 2025 speaker benefits:
Speaking at POLIS 2025 presents the opportunity to:
Showcase groundbreaking work in sustainable mobility
Engage with Europe’s foremost urban mobility stakeholders
Influence local, regional, and EU-level policy debates
Contribute to cross-sector collaboration and innovation
Diverse topics reflecting the complexity of urban transport
The 2025 edition of the conference will invites speaker proposals on 41 priority topics that address the multifaceted challenges of mobility in cities and regions. These include:
Redesigning public spaces for active travel
Achieving zero-pollution cities
Public procurement of zero-emission buses and fleets
Preparing urban areas for Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM)
Road safety communications
Integration of Urban Nodes in the TEN-T network
Leveraging shared mobility to combat transport poverty
The intersection of transport and housing
Public-private partnerships and collaborative approaches
Sessions will range from technical deep-dives and case study presentations to interactive workshops and open discussions. Speakers are encouraged to share not only their successes but also lessons learned and challenges encountered.
Who should apply?
POLIS welcomes submissions from a broad range of stakeholders, including:
Local and regional authorities
Academic and research institutions
Transport and mobility operators
Industry innovators and startups
NGOs and advocacy organizations
Proposals should demonstrate bold thinking, practical impact, and a clear contribution to more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient mobility systems.
On February 25, the UK government announced the roll-out of £120 million of additional funding to help speed up electric vehicle uptake, including the retention of a £500 grant against new electric motorcycles.
The funding is part of a larger scheme to support the shift towards zero-emissions transport before the planned phase-out of internal combustion engine (ICE) car and van sales by 2030. However, many in the motorcycle industry are concerned about the lack of certainty around any planned phase-out for ICE two-wheelers.
“It is really important that the inertia and uncertainty that’s regarding our role in transport across policy currently is ended,” said Neil Fletcher, Chair of the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) during its annual Industry Conference in February.
The MCIA’s figures show that registrations of electric motorbikes were down by 15.9% across February 2025 compared to the same month in 2024, with just 299 registered in the first two months of the year. This is despite a plug-in grant which means that battery-powered motorcycles priced up to £10,000 are eligible for 35% off, up to a maximum value of £500, and mopeds up to the value of £150.
Co-founder of electric motorbike brand Maeving Motorcycles, Will Stirrup, spoke to MCN: “For me, really, the key thing is missed opportunity. Getting more people onto electric two wheelers in urban environments [would be] significantly more environmentally friendly from a carbon production perspective than an electric car – just because of the smaller batteries.”
He continued, “More Government support would be really helpful in increasing uptake, but the products should speak for themselves. The attitude of most major motorcycle companies going ‘the technology is too far away’ well who’s going to change that? That needs to be you. We look at 2030 and absolutely plan on having a product that is equivalent or superior to an internal combustion engine, high-power bike, and we’re tiny.”
Dale Robinson, the UK Country Manager of US electric motorbike brand Zero Motorcycles, urged for more commitment from the government, claiming a lack of fixed phase-out dates and a previous scaling back of subsidies has sent out the wrong message. “We can go back to December 2021 when the Government announced that the £1500 subsidy for premium electric motorcycles was about to disappear, and we can chart the slowdown of sales from that point. The reason for it isn’t just affordability, it was more to do with the message that it sent – as it contradicted the fact that electric was the future.” From his viewpoint as a representative of a more premium brand that would not be eligible for the plug-in grant, he added that he would like to see electric motorbikes more readily available on company salary sacrifice schemes.
Increased charging costs of electric motorcycles were highlighted by Alec Sharp, Director of dealership English Electric Motor Co. “If they could charge up out and about at what they used to be able to – which was about a third of the cost – that would make a big difference for a lot of people.”
Speed pedelecs are emerging as a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional automobiles. However, the factors influencing their adoption and use remain largely unexplored.
This presents a challenge for policymakers aiming to develop effective strategies in promoting this transportation model.
Research initiative by UHasselt
To address this issue, Emiel Cosemans, a student of Mobility Sciences at UHasselt, is conducting a study as part of his bachelor thesis. His research focuses on identifying key factors that influence speed pedelec usage in Belgian and Dutch Limburg.
Importance of public participation
The study welcomes input from both speed pedelec users and non-users, as their perspectives provide valuable insights into the broader mobility landscape. By participating in this survey, individuals can contribute to a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with speed pedelec adoption.
How to participate
The survey, which takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, seeks to gather data that will help policymakers make informed decisions regarding the integration of speed pedelecs into urban transportation networks. Participants’ contributions will play a crucial role in shaping future mobility policies and infrastructure improvements.
For those interested in taking part, the survey is available online. By sharing their experiences and views, participants can support efforts to enhance sustainable mobility solutions.
Global workplace solutions provider IWG has announced its survey findings on the financial and personal advantages of sustainable commuting for Dutch commuters.
A growing number of Dutch commuters are opting for bicycles over traditional means of transport, driven by flexible working arrangements, enhanced cycling infrastructure, and the increasing popularity of e-bikes. The expansion of local workplaces, such as the newly opened Spaces office by the International Workplace Group (IWG) at Amsterdam’s NDSM wharf, further supports this shift by making work closer to home more accessible.
Cost savings and increased well-being for local commuters
Recent research conducted by IWG highlights the financial and personal benefits associated with local commuting. Employees working closer to home stand to save significant amounts on commuting expenses, including fuel, public transportation, parking, and daily expenses such as coffee and meals. According to IWG’s findings, 60% of hybrid workers report saving money compared to their traditionally commuting counterparts, with 64% seeing a reduction in weekly transport costs. Notably, 9% of respondents have halved their commuting expenses.
The financial benefits extend beyond mere savings. More than half of employees surveyed (55%) choose to save their extra income, 37% allocate it to vacations, while 35% use it to pay off debts. For younger professionals, the savings can be particularly impactful. A 24-year-old Gen Z employee in The Hague who previously commuted to Amsterdam could potentially save €14,991.60 annually by working locally four days a week, as reported by research agency Development Economics. These savings could be directed toward reducing student debt or saving for significant financial milestones, such as a home deposit.
Hybrid work and cycling infrastructure: A shift in mobility
The Dutch Central Planning Bureau has also observed an upward trend in cycling commutes, with the proportion rising from 20% to 25%, equating to approximately 350,000 additional cyclists. This shift is supported by policies that encourage cycling, the widespread adoption of hybrid work models, and the increasing affordability and availability of e-bikes.
Beyond cost benefits, active commuting enhances mental well-being and productivity. Cycling to work not only improves physical fitness but also contributes to better mental health. IWG’s research found that 82% of active commuters reported improved mental well-being, while 60% experienced increased productivity. Additionally, 75% of employees surveyed noted a decrease in burnout symptoms following the transition to hybrid work arrangements.
The future of commuting: A decline in long-distance travel
Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG, predicts that long daily commutes will soon become a thing of the past. “The emergence of hybrid working transforms the way we work and travel. It won’t be long before the concept of a daily, long commuting to work is a thing of the past. The idea that office workers get up early every morning, in polluting cars or overcrowded trains and traveling many kilometers to their workplace will soon seem something strange, something that people used to do. The rise of hybrid works and more and more commuters taking the bike is transforming the way we work and travel.”
To support employees in assessing the financial impact of local commuting, IWG has developed a Hybrid Work Calculator, allowing workers to estimate their potential savings by reducing long-distance travel and increasing bicycle usage. As hybrid work continues to gain traction, the shift toward sustainable commuting methods like cycling is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of work-life balance and mobility in the Netherlands and beyond.
The City Council of Brasschaat in Belgium enforced a new parking ordinance in late 2023, reflecting a commitment to reducing car dependency and encouraging bicycle use.
A strategic response to urban challenges
The Flanders region in Belgium is known for its dispersed urban landscape, which necessitates smart space management. With increasing numbers of apartments and smaller housing units, space has become a valuable commodity. Recognising this, its Decree on Basic Accessibility (transportation policy) encourages investment in shared and combined mobility. The ambitious goal, set out in the Vision Note of the Antwerp Transport Region, aims for a modal split of 50% sustainable transport and 50% car use by 2030.
In response to this vision, Brasschaat made a pivotal decision in 2020 by no longer prioritising car parking spaces in construction developments, to encourage alternative use of sustainable transport. A new initiative was introduced, of tax obligation for projects that did not meet parking conditions being suspended, provided that developers offered sufficient alternative transport solutions. This progressive approach culminated in the adoption of the new parking regulation at the end of 2023, introducing innovative measures to shift the focus away from car-centric development.
Key features of the new regulation
The revised parking ordinance incorporates several significant changes. One of the most notable aspects is the introduction of a minimum number of car parking spaces that will decrease over time. Additionally, the regulation allows for a reduced parking standard when submobility options, such as bike-sharing or public transport incentives, are included in new developments.
Another major advancement is the inclusion of clear guidelines for bicycle parking, ensuring that bicycles are no longer relegated to secondary status. These principles, aligned to government initiatives, are designed to make bicycle use more convenient and appealing for residents.
Collaborative development process
The creation of the new parking regulation was a collaborative effort, involving multiple municipal services, including Space and Housing, Infrastructure, Mobility, Local Tourism, Sports, Education, and Finance. The Municipal Committee for Spatial Planning (GECORO) contributed insights through a dedicated workshop, while the Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) and the Province of Antwerp provided valuable advisory support.
In developing the ordinance, Brasschaat drew inspiration from other local authorities, engaging in discussions with the City of Antwerp to refine the regulation’s implementation.
Looking ahead: Evaluation and impact
Although the new parking regulation has been in force only since late 2023, its full impact remains to be seen. The first permits under the updated guidelines have only recently been signed. However, during the drafting process, the proposed standards were tested against real projects to ensure feasibility and compliance. Notably, the bicycle parking standards were already being applied by the Mobility Service, even before receiving formal legal backing.
As Brasschaat continues its journey toward a more sustainable urban environment, this ambitious regulation stands as a testament to the municipality’s proactive approach to addressing modern mobility challenges.
Explore eight innovative urban mobility solutions that have recently received the prestigious URBACT Good Practice label.
In our increasingly connected world, creating an efficient and appealing urban mobility experience for all is essential for a vibrant city. Transportation options must be both accessible and adaptable to meet diverse needs, while also delivering benefits to local residents and visitors alike. These advantages can manifest in various ways, such as reduced costs, enhanced efficiency, or improved health outcomes—ultimately making travel within and to a city a more pleasant experience.
Here we look at eight notable urban mobility solutions, part of the 116 newly recognized URBACT Good Practices. At the close of 2024, European cities and regions were encouraged to present their sustainable development initiatives through an open call. Each URBACT Good Practice was chosen based on a thorough expert evaluation, considering its local impact, the extent of participatory and integrated approaches, and its potential for replication in other European cities.
Motivations for specific mobility purposes
Although various solutions might be publicly available, the mobility experience is not equal for everyone, and the choice of modes of transit are highly dependent on the specific travel purpose. For cities to provide and facilitate suitable urban mobility solutions, an understanding of the common needs and desires of mobility users, sharing a specific mobility purpose, is crucial.
#1 – Zaragoza (ES)
The STARS Zaragoza Project has reached 12,000 primary and secondary school students through an initiative to utilise non-polluting means of travel. By focusing on the promotion of students’ autonomous commuting, city authorities have achieved remarkable results. These include: (i) the establishment of student groups that encourage the use of bikes, supported by a teacher network; (ii) the introduction of female biking role models; (iii) the design of personalised school routes.
The project’s impact extends beyond the local. Thanks to an alliance between local, regional and state administration and public bodies, the project acts as a beacon of successful multi-level governance.
#2- Strasbourg Eurométropole (FR)
Cycling is not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly for many individuals. The Au Boulot à Vélo, or Bike to Work Challenge, promotes bike commuting, particularly targeting professionals, and is organized in partnership with a local NGO. This annual campaign, which spans the entire month of June, collaborates closely with local cycling groups and businesses.
In the latest edition, 17,000 participants took part, with over half being women, showcasing a growing trend. Remarkably, more than 2,000 of these participants were newcomers to biking for work. This initiative demonstrates to many that a work commute by bike is not only feasible but also an appealing option.
#3- Faenza (IT)
The Bike to Work initiative stands out as another exemplary practice, co-funded by the Municipality of Faenza and the Emilia-Romagna Region. It employs various incentives, including reimbursements for distances cycled, competitive leaderboards, and reward systems, all facilitated through a specialized app.
So far, participants have collectively cycled a distance equivalent to 15 times around the Earth! The top performers are recognized by the local government during a public ceremony.
#4- Hannut (BE)
Ride and Buy is a unique app designed to promote sustainable urban transportation. It encourages students to bike to school with their parents and provides trials and discounts on electric bicycles. Additionally, it offers vouchers redeemable at local shops based on the distance traveled by bike.
This initiative was born from the creativity of local youth and brought to life with the collaboration of city and regional authorities, highlighting a truly community-driven effort.
What can your city learn from the above initiatives?
Addressing specific needs necessitates a thorough comprehension of individual motivations and the benefits they seek. Collaborating with key stakeholders has been essential in enhancing mobility solutions by aligning them with relevant strategic frameworks. This approach has helped ensure that initiatives endure beyond political terms. These efforts have already sparked adaptations that engage local businesses, schools, and even neighboring municipalities.
On-demand rural mobility solutions
Delivering traditional public transport can be quite challenging in sparsely populated regions. Many rural areas in Europe struggle to connect scattered communities with effective mobility solutions and resources. Two recently recognized URBACT Good Practices are addressing this issue by promoting on-demand mobility services.
#5 – Viseu Dão Lafões(PT)
Ir e Vir enables residents across 13 municipalities to request rides via a free phone line. This taxi-operated service is available on demand, specifically for prearranged stops according to a set schedule, and only when no public transport options are available. It offers accessibility at bus-equivalent fares while optimizing routes based on reservations made a day in advance.
#6 – Coimbra (PT)
SIT FLEXI provides a comparable service for its residents, also operated by taxis and available only by reservation. This solution even incorporates interoperability with other mobility services. The planning of routes, stops, and timetables is developed collaboratively, taking into account the needs and preferences of residents and the municipalities involved.
What can your city learn from these two initiatives?
These schemes are tailored for rural on-demand services, showcasing how cities can benefit from utilizing existing taxi networks and transportation options. Public authorities have effectively reduced operational costs and minimized environmental impact compared to traditional public transport systems.
Crucially, these solutions help maintain vital connections within a larger urban-rural network. In essence, they not only improve quality of life and foster social cohesion but also enhance access to essential services like healthcare, education, and job opportunities. Such initiatives can even entice former city dwellers to return.
While implementing app-based booking systems, it’s essential to retain a phone-based option to accommodate users with limited digital skills.
Integrated mobility strategies
Creating, adapting, and sustaining accessible mobility solutions for everyone is a challenging task. Addressing the diverse and evolving needs of the community presents logistical challenges and reveals the limitations of current infrastructure in developing a truly inclusive urban environment. Disjointed mobility solutions risk neglecting specific needs or discouraging the adoption of more sustainable alternatives.
#7 – Brussels (BE)
Through the URBACT Good Practice cAIRgo Bike initiative, Brussels encourages the use of cargo bikes to improve urban air quality. This initiative includes subsidies for cargo bike purchases, shared bike systems, and designated parking facilities.
In addition to enhancing physical infrastructure, the program offers training for families and professionals to ensure safe and effective usage. It also collaborates with local NGOs and private enterprises, aligning with city and regional policies, and has successfully addressed issues of traffic congestion and pollution.
#8 – Komotini (GR)
In Komotini, the Accessible City for All initiative has transformed the perception of individuals with disabilities. Instead of being seen merely as a group in need of assistance, they are now valued partners in shaping the city’s identity.
This initiative, co-funded by the local government and implemented by a community NGO, allows individuals with disabilities to engage in advisory boards and steering committees, and in some cases, to lead and manage various activities. The city is also creating environments that facilitate the rehabilitation of disabled individuals, encouraging them to come to Komotini. This effort has not only improved urban infrastructure for all residents but has also led to the development of social initiatives, including a community center, a halfway house, and an activity center run by and for individuals with disabilities, along with after-school programs for children with intellectual disabilities.
What can your city learn from these two initiatives?
Both Komotini and Brussels showcase effective mobility plans that have achieved remarkable results. While Brussels capitalizes on the unique benefits of cargo bikes, Komotini provides an urban setting that not only supports but also empowers a potentially overlooked demographic.
These strategies can motivate other communities to advocate for similar transformative changes in their own cities.