The Brussels Capital Region has developed a policy to phase out fossil-fuel-based vehicles, with a gradual phase-out set to lead to a total ban by 2035. EU-funded project TANDEM aims to include a diverse group of citizens in the discussion around the ban to ensure that the transition to electric mobility is inclusive, equitable and just.
TANDEM seeks to develop recommendations to guide the transition away from fossil-fuelled vehicles, to ensure that the process is well-managed and just, from the perspective of a diverse group of Brussels Capital Region citizens, and will consider the needs of both current and future generations.
The citizen panel will be comprised of approximately 40 participants, randomly selected and with criteria applied to ensure the group’s diversity:
age and gender
language
education and income
mobility behaviour and needs (employment, family composition, general health)
the municipality of residence
nationality
The citizen panel will involve three one-day sessions across a year in which participants will discuss the ban of fossil-fuel vehicles in Brussels. Selected participants will be compensated with services/products or vouchers worth up to €60 for each session, plus meals and refreshments provided during each session.
TANDEM states that: “For this process to be successful, it is important that people with different perspectives answer the survey, so each response is important.”
Find more information about the citizens’ debate and the affiliated project on the TANDEM website, and view the English language survey here.
Quieter, more sustainable helicopters aim to improve quality of life for New Yorkers
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) CEO Andrew Kimball have unveiled plans to transform Downtown Manhattan Heliport (DMH) into a groundbreaking sustainable transportation and delivery hub. The initiative aims to make DMH the world’s first heliport supporting electric flight, reducing noise pollution and advancing last-mile and maritime freight distribution.
The NYCEDC has issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking an operator to upgrade the heliport’s infrastructure for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, integrating last-mile and maritime freight services. The RFP emphasizes on-site workforce development in aviation and maritime sectors. Leading eVTOL companies, Joby and Volocopter, demonstrated the technology’s potential to enhance New Yorkers’ quality of life.
As part of Mayor Adams’ “Working People’s Tour,” this initiative follows record job recovery after the pandemic-induced losses, with a historic 4.7 million total jobs. The plan aligns with Adams’ “PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done” and “Making New York Work for Everyone” action plan.
The DMH transformation supports the Adams administration’s commitment to creating a low-carbon, multi-modal working waterfront, incorporating blue highways for sustainable freight delivery. The RFP encourages investment in supporting infrastructure, quiet eVTOL technology adoption, last-mile micro-distribution, and workforce development.
Two eVTOL companies conducted piloted demonstration flights at DMH, showcasing the technology’s potential for quieter and greener alternatives. The NYCEDC anticipates Federal Aviation Administration certification by 2025, with commercial flights shortly thereafter.
The RFP, open until January 12, 2024, requires the chosen operator to commit to DMH and NYC skies’ sustainability, invest in infrastructure, and meet community quality-of-life concerns. The concession agreement spans five years, with options for renewal upon fulfilling all requirements.
Mayor Adams emphasizes this visionary plan’s positive impact on urban noise reduction and improved air quality, positioning New York City at the forefront of electric flight technology. The initiative reflects a holistic approach to sustainable urban development, aligning with global efforts to reduce transportation emissions and enhance overall urban well-being.
The independent professional jury of the Tweewieler Awards has announced Lacros as one of three finalists for the title of Best Employer of the Year 2023. They will go to the final on Monday 6th November with fellow finalists Atlas Bicycles, and Roto Two-wheelers.
Bicycle dealers can attend the final on Monday afternoon, November 6, in the AFAS Atrium in Leusden, with free places for two of their employees. In addition to announcing the winners of the four Two-Wheeler Awards (Best Employer, Innovative Entrepreneurship, Most Customer-Friendly Shop and Two-wheeler Shop of the Year), an attractive programme has been drawn up around a variety of topics that affect the industry on a daily basis.
Lacros: self-managing, mentally and physically fit teams
Lacros has been an established e-bike manufacturer since 2009, with a team of passionate staff that assist customers with extensive info about their models with tailored advice, helping them to get the most value out of their bikes for years to come. Based in Schijndel, Lacros takes good employer practises more than seriously. For example, its employees are continuously trained individually (internally and externally), with self-managing teams that receive customized training, with mental and physical fitness being a key priority within the company. Stress is prevented as much as possible by efficient teamwork and a good work-life balance. The way in which Lacros has organized its personnel policy means that the company does not have to make much effort to find new employees; there is more supply than vacancies.
Comments Off on Beat Your Car competition offers Delaware employees a Taito S1 scooter for sustainable commuting
At delaware, a leading company committed to the electrification of their fleet, sustainability is held in high regard. Recently, the company organized an exciting competition called “Beat Your Car,” encouraging employees to drive more economically than the standard consumption of their vehicles. The reward for the most environmentally-friendly drivers was nothing less than the impressive Taito S1 made by LEVA-EU member Taito, valued at €2590. This competition not only promoted greener driving practices but also marked a step toward a more sustainable future for delaware and the world.
delaware’s Pursuit of Electrification
One of the standout aspects of delaware is their dedication to the electrification of their fleet. Even before the “Beat Your Car” competition took place, the company had made significant strides toward a more sustainable future. With nearly half of their fleet consisting of electric vehicles, delaware showcases their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment and society. This initiative not only reflects their environmental consciousness but also demonstrates leadership in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
The “Beat Your Car” Competition
The “Beat Your Car” competition was an exciting initiative that challenged delaware’s employees to drive more economically than the standard consumption of their vehicles. Participants had to monitor their fuel consumption and driving behavior, aiming to use their cars in the most efficient way possible. The goal was clear: reducing the ecological footprint of the fleet and promoting conscientious driving among employees.
Winners of the Taito S1
After weeks of competition and sustainable driving, there were ultimately some impressive performances. The employees who managed to drive their cars the most economically were rewarded with the Taito S1, an electric scooter valued at €2590. This prize was not just a recognition of their commitment to sustainability but also a way to encourage the winners to continue their green initiatives. Congrats to the two winners of the “Beat your car” competition.
A Message for the Future
delaware’s “Beat Your Car” competition not only reflects their pursuit of a more sustainable future but also emphasizes the importance of conscientious driving behavior and the role individuals can play in reducing their ecological footprint. This initiative serves as an inspiration for other companies to organize similar competitions and encourage employees to drive more environmentally-friendly.
If we all do our part, we can collectively build a greener and more sustainable world. delaware is a shining example of how companies can contribute to this goal, and with their efforts in electrification and conscientious driving, they demonstrate their readiness to embrace the future with open arms.
Let’s hope that more companies will follow in their footsteps, and initiatives like “Beat Your Car” become the norm, rather than the exception, in the business world.
Together, we can build a more sustainable future, one step and one mile at a time.
The Q2 Shared Mobility Index reveals that Europe’s shared mobility market continues to grow in terms of fleet size, with ridership remaining stable.
Fluctuo’s latest report for Q2 2023 examines the data for shared mobility in 33 European cities, across five vehicle types: station-based bikes, dockless bikes, scooters, mopeds and cars. The report can be viewed in full here.
General trends
Compared to 2022, the overall shared mobility sector has increased by 7% year-on-year, though ridership saw a slight decrease of -1%.
A notable trend is a decrease in the number of shared service operators, which is an effect of cities increasingly putting out tenders to limit the numbers of operators in a city. Where a city might once have had five operators deploying scooters, there might now only be two. The number of vehicles available has continued to grow, and cities are finding that fewer operators with more vehicles each can provide a better service.
Scooters have the largest share of ridership at 42%, though have seen a reduction in growth year-on-year. This dip can be attributed to several factors, including market saturation in some under-regulated markets, and the introduction of stricter regulations in other markets.
Bikes have seen strong growth, and this is expected to continue. Notable data from individual cities include operators in Paris adding to their bike fleets ahead of the city’s ban on e-scooters which came into force in September; a fresh dockless-bike system in Marseilles operated by Inurba seeing ridership grow by 429%; and Madrid’s BiciMAD bike system remaining popular, thanks to its free-to-use status to the end of 2023.
A global overview
Europe continues to be a global leader in shared mobility usage. The North American Bike and Scooter Share Association (NABSA) 2022 report allows direct comparison, demonstrating that Europe’s shared mobility sector leads in terms of fleet size, total trips, trips per vehicle per day (TVD) an per-capita usage. In short, Europe’s shared mobility fleet is used more frequently, and on an individual level, Europeans are taking nearly double the number of trips than North Americans do.
The Autonomy Mobility World Expo has put out a call for public speakers for its 2024 edition, seeking insightful contributions and innovative initiatives within the framework of sustainable, equitable, inclusive, safe, healthy and collaborative mobility.
Proposals are invited from public representatives from cities, governments, NGOs, public transport authorities, social innovators, research centers, think tanks, universities, public agencies, non-governmental organizations and social activists. This is an opportunity for representatives to share knowledge, expertise and insights with a wider audience within the sustainable mobility sector.
The submission deadline is October 16th 2023; the 2024 edition of Autonomy Mobility World Expo takes place March 20th-21st in Paris. Applications can be submitted here.
Comments Off on Flanders introduces specific rider exam for Speed Pedelecs
As of the 1st of October 2023, candidates aiming to obtain a Category AM driver’s license will have the option to take the practical exam using a speed pedelec.
For those interested in riding a speed pedelec, it is essential to hold either a Category AM or A driver’s license, unless they already possess a Category B license. Previously, the Category AM exam required candidates to use a conventional scooter for testing.
One of the key highlights of this update is the introduction of examination maneuvers specifically designed for speed pedelecs. This adjustment in the driving exam procedure is of significant importance, considering the accident statistics related to speed pedelecs.
More information can be found in the following brochure:
To our knowledge, Flanders is the very first to introduce a specific AM-exam for speed pedelecs. Do you know of any other countries or regions in the EU who already have such a specific exam for speed pedelecs? Do let us know by mail to ineke@leva-eu.com
Since the Parisian ban on self-service scooters came into force on 1 September, its city hall has called the move revolutionary in “an urban jungle”, while stakeholders have remain divided on the pros and cons.
In April, 7% of Parisians voted in a referendum on the future of pay-per-use eScooters, with 89% voting for their removal from the streets. As of 1 September 2023, the vehicles have been officially banned, making Paris the only European country with such a measure currently in force.
E-scooters are responsible for an “urban jungle”, with “very abusive usage of these e-mobility tools [having] created a strong sense of insecurity,” according to the Deputy Mayor of Paris in charge of transport, David Bélliard, in a press conference on 31 August.
He continued that a ban was the right way forward because even with tighter regulation, Parisians felt insecure. Furthermore, he explained that it was democratic because “130,000 voters for a public consultation is a consequent number,” although this amount only accounts for 5% of the population of Paris.
Amid growing controversy and concerns around e-scooters, three of the main companies providing these services in Paris presented proposals to the city hall, but Mayor Anne Hidalgo ultimately decided to put future usage of these vehicles in Paris to a vote.
The ban covers 15,000 self-service electric scooters. Operated by Dott, Lime and TIER, they have been redistributed during the summer to surrounding cities.
Meanwhile, personal e-scooters are still allowed to travel in bike lanes.
Opinion remains divided
Mohamed Mezghani, secretary-general at the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), told EURACTIV that “there should be a choice of mobility options for everyone, and excluding one mobility solution from a city is perhaps counter to that approach.”
Bélliard refutes this argument, pointing to the existence of other mobility solutions such as buses, the subway, bikes and walking. He also expressed a concern that “e-scooters are not a relevant mobility tool as they mainly replace walking,” that they create disturbance such as traffic hazards and congestion, and were used mainly by tourists and not by Parisians.
The EU industry association Micro-mobility For Europe wrote in a press statement that “moving away from shared e-scooters isolates Paris from the rest of the world.” Deputy Mayor Bélliard confirmed that he is in touch with his European counterparts, who are all “facing similar issues that revolve around congestion of the public spaces [and] insecurity.”
Safety concerns
Peter Staelens, head of mobility at Eurocities, an organisation representing local governments, explained to EURACTIV that “e-scooter usage has resulted in a recurring pattern of serious facial injuries that require surgery.”
While the ban will hopefully decrease the number of injuries, other stakeholders have concerns about increases in car usage.
Sylvain Delavergne, French coordinator at the Clean Cities Coalition, an organisation campaigning for zero-emission zones within European cities, explained that the Parisian ban will see car trips increase by 8,000 according to a 2022 study.
The ban is, therefore not a solution in his mind, as it will impoverish the air quality in the capital, which is already “responsible for an annual 2,500 premature deaths.”
Paris is now the only European city with a total ban on self-service e-scooters. Previously, Madrid and Copenhagen had similar bans, but they were eventually repealed. Barcelona has temporary restrictions in place and a decision on permanent prohibition or regulation is expected in the autumn.
Following the vote in April, an official joint statement from Dott, Lime and TIER Mobility noted: “We regret that Parisians will lose a shared and green transport option. The result of this vote will have a direct impact on the travel of 400,000 people per month, 71% of whom are 18-35 year old residents. It is a step back for sustainable transport in Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympics.”
An official statement from Bolt highlighted that Paris is taking a step backward: “Considering the potential of shared scooters to make a positive change in the city and the constantly evolving technologies that we’re using to make scooter operations safe for everyone, we believe that resigning from shared scooters would be a step backwards in building better cities.”
Meanwhile, operators look set to turn their attention to e-bikes to make up the shortfall in business as well as looking at other EU cities.
“While Lime e-scooters will depart Paris by the end of August for other cities in Europe, Parisian riders are already pivoting to our expanding fleet of e-bikes,” a Lime spokesperson told CNBC
The annual European Mobility Week takes place this year from 16-22 September, with Car Free Sunday in Brussels on September 17
European Mobility Week sees participation from cities and regions in 39 countries across Europe, and this year takes on the theme Save Energy.
In Brussels, the focus of Mobility Week is Car Free Sunday on 17 September, taking place across the City of Brussels and the whole of the Brussels Region. Car Free Sunday applies to all except taxis, scheduled buses, emergency services, police and persons with a special permit. In addition, any vehicles authorised to ride in Brussels during Car Free Day have to respect the maximal speed of 30 km/h. The whole Brussels Region will be closed to traffic from 9:30 am till 7 pm.
Further afield, World Car Free Day falls on the last day of Mobility Week, September 22, an international event which aims to highlight the numerous benefits of going car-free to citizens, including reduced air pollution and the promotion of walking and cycling in a safer environment.
Campaign success
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Member profile
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
