The Global Alliance for Ecomobility mission is to reduce citizens’ dependency on private motorized vehicles, especially in urban mobility, and raise the profile of the practice of 'EcoMobility' – self-propelled forms of transport like walking, cycling, and skating, combined with the use of public transports.
News
2 September 2010
Podcast addresses sustainable transportation challenges
Earthcasts recently posted a podcast about sustainable transport policy. Preston L. Schiller and Paul Mees present the event, which explores the problems that sustainability poses for transport planners and showcases innovative solutions from around the world. The podcast is available here.
30 August 2010
Biking directions added to Google Maps
Google has recently added biking directions to its Maps application. The feature is still mainly confined to the United States, but there are plans to expand the option to Europe as well. The application indicates bike trails, lanes and recommended roads which helps cyclists select a better route than the one recommended by Google.
24 August 2010
Updated guide addresses urban design and physical activity
The National Center for Bicycling & Walking of the United States has just released an update to their most downloaded publication: "Increasing Physical Activity Through Community Design - a Guide for Public Health Practitioners". The report explains how urban design helps promote physical activity and health among citizens. Download the resource here. The EcoMobility Alliance has also produced several fact sheets on the many benefits of sustainable mobility.
17 August 2010
European Cyclists' Federation asks the Belgian Presidency to support cycling
The European Cyclists' Federation, Fietsersbond and Gracq have asked the Belgian Presidency to promote three cycling-related issues: life-long bicycle education by offer cycling education schemes at schools; make two-way cycling in one-way street the default option; give fiscal incentives to promote cycling to work, such as apply reduced VAT for repairing bicycles. All these measures should lead to more and safer cycling across Europe.
11 August 2010
Residents who live near public transportation live healthier, longer lives
A new report, released by the American Public Transportation Association, which surveys current research has found that people who live in communities with high-quality public transportation drive less, exercise more, live longer, and are generally healthier than residents of communities that lack quality public transit.
30 July 2010
New cycle hire scheme gets underway in London
A new bicycle hire scheme has been launched by ICLEI member the Greater London Authority. The Cycle Hire Scheme offers 6,000 new bicycles, available to rent at anytime for anyone who has already signed up.
21 July 2010
Cyclists exposed to higher volume of pollutants than motorists: study
A new study by researchers in Belgium shows cyclists inhale more air pollutants than people who ride in cars because they engage in faster, deeper breathing than motorists. The research raises questions about where bike routes are situated in relation to roads.
