Odense and Almada head towards a new mobility culture
Energie-Cités bakes fortune cookies for the Copenhagen negotiators:
10 inspiring local policies for 10 days of the Summit
Proven and successful local experiences in climate and energy matters are the best support the EU negotiators can get in Copenhagen. That is why Energie-Cités, with 20 years of experience in sustainable energy policy, has prepared 10 electronic fortune cookies to inspire the decision-makers during the Climate Summit COP 15.
Almada feels better without cars!
In the “Better Without Cars” Campaign, drivers from Almada (PT) are voluntarily encouraged to leave their cars at home one fixed day per week – on Thursday in the case of Almada. In return, they are given several incentives, which range from special public transport tickets with a reduced price, to discounts for cultural and sporting activities, as well as for several shops in Almada. As the traffic is generated not only by those who live in Almada but also by those who come to Almada every day to work, the Campaign is dedicated to all the drivers, living there or not.
"Sol da Caparica, na minha bicla" (a rock’n’roll cycling promotion video in Almada!)
After the first six months of implementation of the Campaign, a survey showed that nearly 60% of the population of Almada was aware of its existence and, among these, 70% considered this Campaign to be adequate to its purposes. The survey also showed that the “Better Without Cars” campaign has raised the debate around the issue of mobility and measures required to improve it.
Another positive aspect has been the involvement of several public and private institutions located in Almada, like the City Council, the local energy management agency, public transport operators (private companies), university, local chamber of commerce, local associations and shop owners. This project allowed the establishment of a deeper working relationship and partnership between them, which did not exist in the past, changing attitudes towards the City and participating in a more active way in the creation of a more sustainable
urban environment in the future.
How Odense has improved the daily use of bicycles
The Transport Ministry has selected Odense as Denmark’s National Cycle City. Indeed, many campaigns are led to make people sensitive and interested in the daily use of bicycle, and as a result of this transport policy and bike promotion, the modal split has changed in the past 10 years in favour of cycling: +50% cyclists (1990-2000)! Here are examples of cycling promotion campaigns led by the Municipality of Odense:
- RIT - a Campaign in day-care institutions: Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the institution by bicycle or on foot as often as possible. For each trip done by bicycle or on foot the child receives a raffle ticket for the lottery. The more tickets you get the higher chance to win the prize you have!
- Freewheeling - a Campaign for school children: The 12 and 13 years old children can participate to this team contest where classes compete to obtain the highest number of kilometres done by bike to school or in spare time.
- The Annual Bike Festival: Each year a bike festival is organised at the town hall square. Normally, it is on a Saturday in May. The purpose is to show the public good examples of new quality bikes. Only bikes costing a minimum of 400 Euros are allowed at the festival.
Cohesion policy and cities The European Commission DG REGIO published on 23rd November 2005 a Commission staff working document entitled “Cohesion Policy (...)
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