As an increasing number of cities around the world become congested and polluted, new business systems and technologies are emerging to address the mobility challenge. This is important because one of the greatest risks our planet faces lies in mobility.
It’s important for both people and the planet that we find new and innovative ways to move around cities. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance mobility while simultaneously minimizing congestion, accidents, and pollution.
Here are a few of the ways major cities are implementing urban mobility strategies.
Micro-mobility
Micro-mobility refers to any urban transport mode under 500kg, including e-scooters, e-bicycles, and shared mopeds. With cities trying desperately to reduce traffic and congestion problems, micro-mobility is proving to be a powerful alternative to current transport modes.
Micro-mobility is perfect for short-distance travel and is a much cheaper and more convenient alternative to cars. Moreover, two-wheel vehicles are being increasingly used for delivering food ordered online. Pizza delivery bikes have already become iconic.
Electric vehicles
Electric cars are a critical part of building a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable future. Since they don’t produce local emissions from burning fuel, these vehicles generate less global warming pollutants than traditional cars - making them a much better option for the environment.
Research suggests that electric vehicles can reduce CO2 emissions by 60% compared with internal-combustion engines. Therefore, they could play a major part in improving overall air quality, as well as the health of urban residents.
Self-driving vehicles
The world is heading closer towards autonomous vehicles - self-driving cars that are capable of sensing the environment and moving safely with minimal human input. Replacing traditional private cars with autonomous vehicles (AVs) would reduce traffic volume and free up land currently used for parking spaces, thereby creating greener cities.
Additionally, eliminating human drivers will ensure safer and more efficient vehicles. There are still a lot of issues to be addressed with AVs, but once implemented the potential benefits to both people and the planet are endless.