Database Search

CIVITAS and other European projects create valuable knowledge on sustainable mobility and other relevant issues. The use of this knowledge is limited to people who can find the database that the data are entered in. There are several disadvantages to this approach. The database may be hard to find, or may be offered out of context. Competing information or information that is from a later date and / or is more accurate does not immediately become available. Also knowledge in other languages is often lost. Looking up information on a regional level can be very complicated. These and other arguments constitute the reason why Velo Mondial has been looking to overcome these constraints. And indeed we found a tool to approach many databases amongst which existing CIVITAS and EC databases and past, present and future projects in the field of sustainable mobility. English, Spanish, German or Dutch are understood our tool. On top of that all documents can be accessed via the cities they refer to on Google Maps. The search engine and more of CIVITAS MIMOSA is accessible on www.civitas-mimosa.eu.You will find an explanation of the search engine in the video below by clicking on it or by clicking here.

Give Cycling a push

The battery and motor in electric bicycles result in a number of risks that do not exist in conventional bicycles. Electric bicycles are therefore subject to a set of European harmonised rules and regulation. All those who are considering distributing, selling, renting, leasing, making available, promoting, electric bicycles must be aware of and observe that legislation. This fact sheet is produced by PRESTO aimed at providing all interested parties with the relevant information. Electric bicycle and/or LEV (Light Electric Vehicle of weight less than or equal to 400 kg) is a term,which covers two different concepts of vehicles with an auxiliary electric motor: 1) cycles equipped with an auxiliary motor that cannot be exclusively propelled by that motor. Only when the cyclist pedals, does the motor assist. These vehicles are generally called pedelecs. 2) cycles equipped with an auxiliary electric motor that can be exclusively propelled by that motor. The cyclist is not necessarily required to pedal. These vehicles are generally called E-bikes. Pedelecs and E-bikes are not always two-wheeled. There are also vehicles with 3 wheels. Legal definitions have the term “cycles” in order to cover all vehicles, irrespective of their number of wheels.

Highest-capacity BRT system in Asia

The city of Guangzhou, China, officially opened the 22.5-kilometer Guangzhou bus rapid transit system, known as GBRT, on February 21, after a ten-day test run over the Chinese New Year holiday period. The GBRT is a system of firsts: it is the first BRT to directly connect to a metro system, the first BRT system in China to include bike parking in its station design, it has the world's highest number of passenger boardings at BRT stations, highest BRT bus frequency, and longest BRT stations. Station operation is impressive, and its ridership levels are second only to Bogotá's Transmilenio. Passenger interest in the system is high-all day at Tangxia and other stations people line the pedestrian bridges can view the system in operation here. Passenger ridership now exceeds 25,000 passengers per hour in a single direction, at the highest demand point in the rush hour; more than triple any other BRT system in Asia. Daily passenger ridership is currently more than 800,000 boardings per day, which is more than any of Guangzhou's 5 metro lines, and is expected to exceed 1 million passenger trips per day by the end of 2010. More than 70,000 passenger boardings take place each day at a single station (Gangding).

Everything you always wanted to know

PRESTO presents 15 Fact sheets on Infrastructure planning for cycling in urban areas. Cycle lanes: A cycle lane is a legally reserved driving space for cyclists on the road. Cycle Tracks A cycle track is the highest-quality cycling infrastructure. Cycle streets A cycle street is a road so designed that cyclists dominate visually and motorized traffic is tolerated as a guest. Traffic calming and cycling On quiet, residential streets, road space can be safely and comfortably shared by all users. Contra-flow cycling is when cyclists are allowed to ride against the flow of one-way streets. Bicycle and buses Mixing bicycles and buses is a safety issue. Cyclists and pedestrians Cyclists and pedestrians mix easily. Traffic-light intersections are inherently dangerous for cyclists. Roundabout intersections Simple one-lane roundabouts are the safest intersection type for all users. Right-of-way mixed traffic is the simplest, most agreeable approach for cyclists on quiet intersections. Grade-separation for cyclists includes cycling tunnels and cycling bridges. Bicycle parking and storage solutions Dispersed, small bicycle parking systems, such as inverted U-stands, allow cyclists to park and attach their bicycle for short periods and near their destination. Bicycle parking in residential areas In residential areas, all residents should have safe overnight storage for a bicycle. Bicycle parking in the city centre All cities serious about cycling should develop a strategy for bicycle parking in the city centre. Cycling facilities at interchanges Bicycle parking at train stations and metro, tram, light rail and bus stops encourage cyclists to make combined longer trips.