London should aim to set the gold standard for micromobility to help decarbonise our transport system and improve air quality.
Micromobility is an emerging term that groups together established vehicles like bikes, with an increasingly varied set of lightweight powered and pedal-assisted vehicles, like e-scooters, e-bikes and cargo bikes.
The Mayor of London has recently committed to achieving net-zero in London by 2030. Many micromobility advocates believe these vehicles could help us meet net zero targets, while also reducing congestion, pollution and creating healthier, more active streets. The coronavirus crisis has only increased the urgency to look at alternative travel options, as the collapse in public transport use has led to a rise in car use.
But there are big questions about how exactly micromobility fits onto our roads and streets, from safety to sustainability and fair access.
The final report from this project sets out what ‘gold standard’ micromobility management and provision could look in London. It investigates questions including:
- How micromobility can work with existing modes of transport, and what kind of infrastructure might be needed;
- The potential impact of micromobility on carbon emissions;
- Safety for users and non-users alike, and;
- Equitable access.