Sustainable mobility refers to a transportation system that reduces environmental impact and maximises energy efficiency, allowing users to interact and move more easily. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development states that it “gives people the freedom to move, communicate and connect, with an eye to human and environmental aspects, today and tomorrow”. Transport consumes a fifth of the world’s primary energy sources, 40 per cent of which in urban settings. In the next 20 years, halving global fuel consumption levels is vital. Governments must invest in readily available sustainable technologies like hybrid or electric engines. Using less fuel means living in a safer world, stimulating economic growth, fighting climate change and reducing pollution, directly linked to major health concerns. For a more sustainable mobility system we need more science, connectivity, design, technology, smart cities, modern infrastructure, electric cars and above all more open minds, willing to change habits and educate themselves.
Milan has announced one of Europe’s most ambitious mobility schemes, known as Strade Aperte (open roads). Its goal is to reduce cars in phase 2 of the lockdown by increasing bike lanes and pedestrian areas.
Formula 1, the world’s most important auto racing championship, has decided to turn the page and aim for carbon neutrality with the support of its teams, drivers and the whole racing circus.
Toyota and LifeGate began telling the story of hybrid mobility back in 2006, now, on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, they’re still treading the path of sustainable mobility. Here are the main steps of the journey.
Germany’s first solar bicycle lane could be the prototype for the roads of the future. The photovoltaic tiles melt snow and ice, and are capable of absorbing noise.
The Vespa is back in an electric version. Production has just started and the first models can be reserved online starting from October.
The city of Utrecht, in the Netherlands, has inaugurated a bicycle path that brings together a bridge, the rooftop of a school and a garden.
The Lego hair bike helmet is the latest Internet craze. For now it’s just a prototype but production on a large scale will probably start soon.
Heir to the legendary Bulli van of the ‘60s, the official vehicle of the hippie movement, the new Volkswagen van is electric and self-driving. It has eight seats and can be turned into a living room. It will be produced starting from 2021.
Copenhagen has achieved an unprecedented result by investing in two-wheel mobility. Bikes now outnumber cars in Denmark’s capital.
A new cycling lane glows blue at night in the town of Lidzbark Warminski. It is meant to improve the safety of cyclists and is simply… breathtaking.
