Inspiring initiative

Oslo as an age-friendly city

Oct 10, 2023 | Inspiring initiative, Norway, Sustainable Mobility

As life expectancy continues to rise, the Nordic region is seeing a steady increase in an ageing population. The municipality of Oslo, Norway, initiated a series of action to make the city more age friendly.

An electric bus for senior citizens in the Netherlands

Sep 24, 2023 | Inspiring initiative, Netherlands, Sustainable Mobility

The Stichting Zonnebus Cuijk uses an electric bus to transport elderly people through the village to different destinations, including the pharmacy, the library, and the supermarket. By opting for an electric bus, the Foundation puts an emphasis on sustainable forms of transport to enhance the mobility of senior members of their community.

Indigenous Women’s Movement of the Xingu Indigenous Reservation Association

Jul 10, 2023 | Biodiversity, Brazil, Farm to Fork, Food Security, Inspiring initiative

ATIX Mulher (Brazil) is the female branch of the Indigenous organisation of Women’s Movement of the Xingu Indigenous Reservation Association. During the pandemic in 2020, the inhabitants of the Xingu Indigenous Reservation were heavily affected in their food security. Atix Mulher has campaigned for food, hygiene products and agricultural tools for the 16 ethnic groups of the reservation. It has helped gather food donations and has set out a collective crowdfunding that has benefitted 130 villages. Currently, items such as crafts and honey, produced by the villagers, help with capital to keep the small agriculture-based businesses running.

Unlocking independence and integration for refugees

Jun 22, 2023 | Clean Energy, Germany, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

#BIKEYGEES is a remarkable initiative that aims to empower refugee women and girls in Berlin by offering them free practical cycle training. The initiative also teaches German traffic rules and how to carry out basic bike repairs in different languages. They also give out bikes, helmets, maintenance tools, and locks to participating girls and women after passing a small theoretical exam, so they can leave the training self-sufficient.

Veloevolution’s quest for greener and safer roads

Jun 22, 2023 | Bulgaria, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

Veloevolution is a dynamic discussion platform and grassroots organization dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly modes of transport, with a particular emphasis on bicycle riding. It also takes an active role in open discussions concerning establishing relevant infrastructure for cycling.

Pedaling Towards Change

Jun 22, 2023 | Czech Republic, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

Bike Kitchen Brno is an open community bike workshop, voluntary organisation. The project is not just an ordinary community bike workshop, it is an initiative that fosters connection. Their mission is to collect old bikes, learn to repair them together, donate them or sell them for very low/affordable price, create friendships and cook food while doing so. They are united by values, vision, friendship among like-minded individuals who share a deep love for bikes.

The Living Lab Experiment in Graz

Jun 21, 2023 | Austria, Clean Energy, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

The Living Lab Experiment at Griesplatz in Graz involves engaging local stakeholders in the smart redesign of the square, which plays a vital role as a traffic hub. This includes residents in the vicinity, cyclists, pedestrians, and marginalized groups. The EU project (Urban Europe) and the University of Graz facilitate the Living Lab which is the second oldest and largest in Austria. The initiative has a long-term Smart City Strategy that prioritizes mobility measures, such as public transport, e-mobility, and city logistics. The University of Technology Graz is also a project partner.

A holistic approach to public spaces

Jun 21, 2023 | Belgium, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

Zilveren Linten, commissioned by the District of Antwerp, is an initiative focused on creating short and safe walking routes that cater specifically to the needs of the elderly population. This project aims to address the challenges faced by seniors when navigating city streets, considering their reduced physical mobility and increased risk of injury. By collaborating with external partners and incorporating valuable input from senior citizens, Zilveren Linten strives to not only improve the physical infrastructure but also raise awareness, encourage co-creation, and foster participation in the process.

Revolutionizing mobility through ride-sharing benches

Jun 21, 2023 | Germany, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

The ride-sharing bench is centrally located on the village street, inviting people to comfortably sit down and indicate their desire for a ride. Destination signs in five directional alternatives in the area, indicating where people want to go. By identifying the direction and destination of each bench’s occupant(s), drivers willing to give someone a ride can easily connect with them. The initiative is characterised by the positive feedback loop: The more benches are installed in different localities, the shorter the waiting time will be for people sitting on the benches and the larger the network of possible destinations becomes.

A creative solution for social interaction, and mobility

Jun 21, 2023 | Belgium, Inspiring initiative, Sustainable Mobility

Village Point originated in small villages where all local shops had vanished, and its primary objective is to foster resource sharing and collaborative solutions among the residents. It encompasses three key domains: services, social interaction, and mobility.