Tag Archive: Urban Mobility

  1. How COVID-19 changed urban mobility for the better

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    Source: Tomorrow.City

    As we mark five years since the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to reflect on how the pandemic significantly reshaped urban mobility. Beyond the immediate devastation – millions of lives lost, economies disrupted, and healthcare systems overwhelmed – the pandemic also sparked a wave of transformation and reassessment.

    Human behavior adapted as people navigated new ways of living, working, and interacting. Cities were reimagined with a greater focus on public health and liveability. The pandemic’s challenges led to innovation, and a “new normal” emerged. Many initiatives and projects that began during the pandemic continue to influence urban environments today.

    Urban mobility startup investment surge

    A major shift that occurred after the pandemic’s onset was the acceleration of investment in urban mobility startups. Recognising the need for innovative transportation solutions, organizations like EIT Urban Mobility introduced specialised Accelerator Programmes to support startups focused on sustainable and impactful solutions. One such initiative, the EIT Urban Mobility Accelerator Programme: Special COVID-19 Edition, launched in July 2020, supported 23 European startups, four of which remain part of the EIT Urban Mobility portfolio:

    • Elonroad: Focused on developing smart charging highway systems for electric vehicles, Elonroad received funding from the French government as part of the France 2030 initiative to electrify a highway near Paris.
    • Meep: A mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform that integrates various transport options, Meep has partnered with multiple transport operators and public authorities to centralize services and promote sustainability.
    • Nemi Mobility Solutions: This startup enhances public transport efficiency and accessibility in peri-urban and rural areas with AI-driven demand-responsive transport. It celebrated its fifth anniversary in early 2025, signing its 11th transport-on-demand service.
    • Urban Radar: Specialising in data-driven insights for optimizing urban logistics and transportation planning, Urban Radar piloted its solution in Barcelona less than a year after receiving investment.

    Investment trends in urban mobility

    The success of these startups represents only a small portion of the financial influx into the urban mobility sector. According to Via ID’s State of Urban Mobility Startups report, investment in the sector more than doubled from 2020 to 2021 in Europe, surpassing $14B. While investments have declined in recent years as the immediate effects of the pandemic faded, funding levels remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Startups founded during the pandemic’s investment boom continue to innovate and tackle urban challenges today.

    FURNISH: A temporary project with lasting impact

    During the pandemic, cities had to rethink public spaces to accommodate social distancing and new mobility patterns. One such initiative was FURNISH, an EIT Urban Mobility-funded project aimed at temporarily redesigning urban spaces for safer and more functional public use. Over three editions, the project developed 12 different prototypes of modular urban furniture, which were deployable at low cost and flexible enough for adaptation. These prototypes were open-source, allowing cities globally to reuse and redevelop them. The insights gained from FURNISH continue to influence urban design worldwide.

    Bridging the knowledge gap between urban mobility and public health

    The pandemic also highlighted a knowledge gap in the intersection of urban mobility and public health. In response, EIT Urban Mobility and the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) launched an educational initiative to equip professionals with the skills necessary to integrate public health perspectives into urban design. The Introduction to Urban Health course, offered to PhD candidates in the EIT Urban Mobility Doctoral Training Network, explores how urban environments influence health and well-being. The course includes lectures, case studies, and hands-on projects to help participants apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.

    In addition to this, EIT Urban Mobility is launching the Urban Mobility and Healthy Ageing: Innovations for a Sustainable Future (UMAIS) Summer School in 2025. Co-led by the University of Lisbon and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, this program will address the intersection of ageing, mobility, and innovation.

    These educational programs reflect the growing recognition of health’s role in urban mobility planning, and aim to bridge the knowledge gap identified during the early days of COVID-19. By fostering interdisciplinary solutions, these initiatives contribute to the development of healthier cities that integrate wellness into their designs and strategies.

  2. Intermobility Future Ways recap: exploring the future of shared and sustainable mobility

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    Source: EU Urban Mobility Observatory

    The Intermobility Future Ways (IFW) forum was hosted in Rimini, Italy from November 19 to 21 2024, bringing together policymakers, industry professionals, and mobility experts to discuss the future of shared and sustainable urban mobility.

    The event featured workshops, conferences, and key reports focusing on green and digital innovations in mobility systems. Organized over three days, IFW provided a platform for highlighting sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) strategies to address transport poverty, and policies promoting urban vehicle access regulations (UVARs).

    Day 1: Launch of Intermobility Future Ways Report

    It opened with a plenary session and the presentation of the Intermobility Future Ways Report, outlining key trends in shared and collective mobility. Attendees participated in workshops exploring future mobility solutions and the role of technology in advancing sustainable transport policies.

    Day 2: Sharing Mobility and Transport Poverty

    The second day focused on shared mobility, with the 8th National Sharing Mobility Conference presenting the latest National Sharing Mobility Report. Discussions centered on Italy’s progress in shared transport services and challenges in expanding these offerings.

    Key sessions were also shared detailing the lack of access to affordable and reliable transportation options, and how UVAR policies could improve urban accessibility while reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

    Day 3: MobyDixit and the SUMP conference

    The final day featured MobyDixit, Euromobility’s annual mobility management event, which included the 24th Conference on Mobility Management and the 8th SUMP Conference.

    There was also a session that discussed how Italy and other European countries are implementing SUMPS to meet EU sustainability goals, and introduced the SUMP and National Support Scheme Programme (NSSP) Training Initative, which aims to prepare local authorities to comply with the TEN-T Regulation, which mandates that urban nodes must adopt SUMPs by 2027.

    Key takeaways on SUMPs in Italy

    A major highlight of IFW was the session “SUMPs 2.0: New Goals for Cities”, reflecting on Italy’s progress in adopting Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans over the past decade. Moderated by Carla Messina from the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT), the session featured experts including Patrizia Malgieri (TRT) and Daniela De Leo (Università Federico II Napoli).

    The discussion highlighted four key areas for improving Italy’s SUMP framework:

    • Setting measurable goals for mobility plans.
    • Implementing evaluation tools to track progress.
    • Engaging stakeholders to raise public awareness.
    • Positioning SUMPs as actionable frameworks with short-term measures to achieve tangible results.

    A collaborative path forward

    IFW underscored the importance of collaboration between local governments, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in achieving sustainable mobility. The event emphasized that shared mobility and SUMPs are vital tools in addressing climate challenges, reducing transport poverty, and ensuring more equitable urban transport systems across Europe.

    More information about the event can be accessed here.

  3. Discover the latest ERTRAC Integrated Urban Mobility Roadmap

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    The updated ERTRAC Integrated Urban Mobility Roadmap is now available! Building on the 2017 version, this new roadmap provides a forward-thinking framework to tackle today’s most pressing urban mobility challenges.

    Source: European Commission

    As urban mobility evolves due to technological advances, economic changes and growing environmental concerns, the ERTRAC, ALICE, and ERRAC Urban Mobility Working Group began updating the roadmap in mid-2023. This update outlines a comprehensive vision for optimising urban transport systems and paving the way towards a more sustainable future.

    The 2024 version serves as a crucial guide for identifying key research and innovation opportunities. Drawing on expertise from industry professionals, stakeholders and previous working group publications, it reflects the latest developments in urban mobility, including research projects funded by Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.

    The roadmap prioritises making urban transport systems more convenient, accessible, affordable and resource-efficient for both passengers and goods. It covers every aspect of the transport network, from users and infrastructure to governance, while addressing connections between urban, peri-urban and rural areas.

    One key focus is balancing growing mobility demands with limited urban space, promoting stronger integration between transport and city planning. The roadmap advocates sustainable solutions, emphasising active transport, public transit and shared mobility. By assessing current trends and future needs, the 2024 version provides a clear path for innovation and research to build a more efficient and sustainable transport system.

    • Read the full updated roadmap here
    • Read more about STREnGth_M here

  4. EIT UM Call for Projects aimed at promoting a competitive & sustainable European Cycling Industry

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    This call results from the European Declaration on Cycling, signed last April. The Declaration emphasises cycling as a strategic priority and describes it as one of the “most sustainable, accessible and inclusive, low-cost and healthy forms of transport“.

    According to EIT Urban Mobility, the growing share of e-bikes has created a wealth of opportunities for new services and business models in the industry, and a need for more digital and battery innovations. Simultaneously, existing services like bike sharing need to be optimised to allow operators to expand services to new consumers.

    Through this call, EIT Urban Mobility aims to fund innovative solutions that promote a competitive and sustainable European
    cycling industry, focusing on three sub-topics:

    • Light means of transport (LMT) batteries
    • New services and business models, and
    • Sustainable local manufacturing.

    Consortia should consist of 2 to 5 partners from at least 2 EU Member States or/and Horizon Europe associated countries. EIT will fund a maximum of 65% of the total project cost, with budgets expected to range between € 300,000 and € 700,000. The total indicative funding allocated for this call is € 1.5 million, which allows for approving 2 to 5 projects. The project should start from 1 January 2025 and run for one year.

    There are 2 mandatory KPI’s:

    • either an innovation needs to be put on the market or a start-up created
    • second KPI is demonstration

    As a result, there has to be at least one commercial partner and one demonstration host, either a city/municipal government or a company. The solution to be piloted should have successfully reached a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6.

    Once the project has started, consortium partners are required to become EIT UM members. The lowest annual membership fee is € 5,000.

    This call will close on 15 October at 17.00 CET. The evaluation results will be communicated end of November.

    All further details are here: https://rb.gy/hxgrxc

  5. Company leasing providers have almost quintupled their sales since 2019

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    Company bike leasing has emerged as a significant growth driver for the bicycle sector, according to a study by Deloitte’s Sport Business Group in partnership with the industry association Zukunft Fahrrad. From 2019 to 2023, the total revenue of company bike leasing providers surged from 0.7 billion to 3.2 billion euros, nearly quintupling. This reflects an average annual growth rate of 46 percent.

    Source: RadMarkt

    The study, “The German Company Bike Leasing Market,” surveyed the largest providers using a standardized questionnaire. These companies represent approximately three-quarters of the market. The collected data was then extrapolated to estimate the overall market size based on dealer information.

    The survey revealed that the fleet size of bicycles and e-bikes leased through employers has grown by an average of 45 percent annually since 2019, expanding from 400,000 bikes in 2019 to 1.9 million by the end of 2023. This marks nearly a fivefold increase over five years, with 23,000 bikes newly leased in 2019 and 790,000 in 2023.

    Leasing strengthens brick-and-mortar retail

    Kim Lachmann, Director and bicycle market expert at Deloitte stated “Company bike leasing has now become one of the most relevant market drivers in the bicycle market – especially in the past year, which has been challenging for the industry. High bicycle stocks and a simultaneous slight decline in customer demand due to inflation posed problems for many market participants. However, we continued to see stable growth in company bike leasing – both in terms of volume and price. It is also clear that it is strengthening brick-and-mortar retail in particular. Almost 90 percent of users buy their bikes there.”

    Leased bikes tend to be higher-priced, with about 80 percent being e-bikes and an average price of 3,500 euros in 2023—almost 1,700 euros more than the average price of bikes purchased in the overall market. According to the study’s authors, this price difference is a significant factor in the observed strong sales growth in the bicycle market.

    The study also found that around 37 percent of employees in Germany now have access to company bike leasing. The number of employees eligible for company bike leasing contracts through their employers grew from 5.3 million in 2019 to 16.8 million in 2023.

    Untapped potential

    “The company bike leasing sector has grown immensely in recent years, but the potential is far from being exhausted. On average, around 90 percent of employees at participating employers are not yet leasing. In addition, the number of participating companies is increasing continuously – by an average of 46 percent annually since 2019. Company bike leasing is perceived by employees as an attractive offer,” says Kim Lachmann.

    In 2023, around 204,000 employers offered their employees the opportunity to lease company bikes, up from around 45,000 in 2019.

    Wasilis von Rauch, Managing Director of Zukunft Fahrrad, emphasized the market’s resilience, describing company bike leasing as a billion-dollar market that benefits both employees and companies through health and climate protection advantages. He noted that approximately two-thirds of commuters have a journey suitable for bicycles or e-bikes, often faster and more enjoyable than other modes of transport. Rauch urged policymakers to support this trend by creating conducive framework conditions.

  6. E-bikes are gaining ground in commuting in South Limburg

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    Source: Fietsberaad Crow

    An annual measurement by Zuid Limburg Bereikbaar shows an increase in the number of people using e-bikes and speed pedelecs for commuting between 2022 and 2023.

    The Clustered Effect Measurement 2023 asked more than 8,000 respondents, employed at Zuid-Limburg Bereikbaar (ZLB) and participants in the ZLB panel, about their commuting and work from home habits.

    The results showed that in 2023, almost 30% of commuting trips in South Limburg were made by bicycle, e-bike, or speed pedelec. The percentage of trips commuted by bicycle was higher for those working at ZLB than the general population for the region. Maastricht has the largest share of the modal split for bikes and e-bikes. The share of commuting bike rides from Maastricht as a place of residency is 60% and 37% as a work area.

    The share of e-bikes and speed pedelecs in the modal split for commuting has increased from 9% to 14% between 2022 to 2023. These changes indicate a clear switch from car to electric bike for people’s commutes. In 2023 trips up to 15km were made more often by e-bike and less often by car, however there is still potential to increase cycling for this distance. One of the recommendations is to continue the #posifiets campaign, as this appears to have made a significant contribution to reducing the number of car journeys.

  7. LEVA-EU contributes to ERTRAC’s LEV paper on urban mobility

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    The European Road Transport Research Advisory Council (ERTRAC) has announced the release of two urban mobility papers that give interesting insights on LEVs and the 15 Minute City concept.

    LEVs in urban mobility

    ERTRAC’s work dives into the Light Electric Vehicle (LEV) world, focusing on the challenges and opportunities that arise from its integration into urban mobility. The paper provides an extensive snapshot of ongoing conversations within its community (which includes LEVA-EU) and advises on infrastructure requirements, safety protocols, environmental issues, and research priorities for the future.

    Urban mobility and the 15 Minute City concept

    This paper looks at this concept that revolves around city residents being able to access all their lifestyle essentials at distances that take them no longer than 15 minutes by bicycle or foot. It delivers insights and future routes for urban mobility, with real-world examples, and outlines how the 15 Minute Concept can potentially be achieved.

    Learn more about these papers here.

  8. 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.

  9. New bike taxi service kicks off in Paris

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    Source: The Mayor

    From the 23rd of February, a fresh mode of transportation became available for hire on the streets of Paris. Dubbed Heetch Bike, this innovative service introduces a taxi alternative where a cyclist chauffeurs a passenger cabin. Initially, its operations are confined to weekends. Heetch Bike itself is distinct from conventional car cabs and the trending tuk-tuks, which have recently gained favour among tourists in the French capital.

    Heetch Bike aims to assuage concerns surrounding the viability of this type of transport hire with its ambitious proposition: “Our promise is travel within Paris 40% faster and 20% cheaper than VTC,” as quoted by 20Minutes. VTC is the French term for cab services operating beyond the traditional taxi licensure sphere, encompassing various hired transport services with drivers, such as Uber. Heetch Bike aims to capitalize on the surging popularity of bicycles in Paris and the decreasing role of private cars.

    According to Actu Paris, the company’s assertion of faster service than cabs is predicated on the anticipation of Limited Traffic Zone (ZTLs) implementation in the city centre later this year, which will curtail and confine car traffic in the area. This presents a prime opportunity for sustainable mobility alternatives like bicycles to take over the streets as a swifter means of navigating downtown Paris.

    For those concerned about the comfort level of bike taxis compared to cars, Heetch Bike assures that their cabins feature heated bench seats, protective windshields, and a glass roof. Therefore, passengers are guaranteed a comfortable journey regardless of atmospheric conditions.

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Member profile

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