Cycle Parking: Challenge for the near future

Dime-parking in Amsterdam abolished

Parking for a dime per hour will no longer be available from next year in a number of Amsterdam shopping streets. The 10-cent zones were introduced hoping to attract more shoppers But according to the municipality this has had no effect at all. In Bilderdijkstreet and 1st C. Huygensstraat instead of the 10-cent rate the standard rate will be applied again. Near sportsfields in Amsterdam East the 10-cent areas are maintained. The 10-cent zones were introduced to attract shoppers by car without having to pay the regular (higher) rate . Licensees were not allowed to park their car during shopping hours in these zones. After shopping hours the normal rate would apply again. Since one can only park their car for one hour, long-term car parking was excluded. This was supposed to attract many visitors to this favorable tariff. The idea was that in this way a more favorable economic climate would be achieved for retailers and other businesses. However, research proves that this is not the case. The effect on the number of cars parked and hence the number of car traffic movements proved very limited. Hardly any difference was found between the number of cars park in the 10-cent zones and the reference streets. Source: Verkeerskunde

 

Cycling challenge: ready for 2013?

Following its success in 2012, the municipality of Bologna and the local transport authority SRM are launching the European Cycling Challenge for 2013. Want to join? Co-funded by CIVITAS MIMOSA, the edition of 2012 of the urban cycling contest saw seven European cities challenging themselves. Nearly 1,200 participants cycled throughout May in their cities, leaving their cars in the garage, covering about 90,000 kms and saving about 10 tons of CO2. All their trips were tracked by GPS with the support of the Endomondo© free App. In line with the previous edition, the Challenge 2013 consists in a mileage challenge where groups of urban cyclists track their “transport cycling” trips during a month, quantifying CO2 savings in comparison to their habitual behaviour. If your city is interested to joint this exciting experience, please complete the expression of interest available below by 31 December 2012. For more information, contact ecc2013@srmbologna.it.  Follow them on Facebook (Bolognainbici) and Twitter (@Bolognainbici).

30km/hour: The Standard

30 km/h (20 mph) limits are an inexpensive and popular way to improve safety, cut pollution and encourage smarter travel choices. They lead to improved traffic flow and less congestion. People can move without fear. "30kmh – making streets liveable!" want to achieve these benefits for the whole of the European Union and 30 km/h shall become the standard speed limits for villages, towns and cities with local authorities being able to decide on exemptions. "30kmh – making streets liveable!" is organising a “European Citizen´s Initiative” - a fascinating, brand-new policy instrument in the European Union. That includes a huge effort as they must collect more than 1 million signatures within one year from at least 7 different member states of the EU. The EU Commission has officially accepted our European Citizens´ Initiative “30km/h – making the streets liveable!”. The decision was made after a two-month legal check. This success means that gathering statements fo support for a 30 km/h urban speed limit throughout the whole of the European Union can begin. People can already sign the initiative. Velo Mondial is happy to support this initiative for reasons of urban safety.

Bicycle Lights Vending Machine Amsterdam CS

Less is more

Global phenomenon

Fashion house H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB will enter the cycling gear market with a limited men’s collection of 11 pieces. The line has been designed in close cooperation with Brick Lane Bikes of East London, combining the function of cycling wear with great city style for both on and off the bike. H&M Hennes & Mauritz will enter the cycling gear market with a limited men’s collection of 11 pieces. Brick Lane Bikes tested an approved the H&M collection. The designs were inspired by both vintage pieces and today’s sports performance and the collection is made from more sustainable materials as part of H&M’s Conscious work. The collection will be launched on 7th March 2013 in approximately 180 stores worldwide, as well as online. Founded in 2006, Brick Lane Bikes was the UK’s first fixed-gear bike store, specializing in custom-made bikes built in their on-site workshop.  Each piece has been designed to be worn on and off the bike, with functional details providing both performance and also style. H&M concludes with Velo Mondial's all along objective:  Cycling has become a global phenomenon, and now it is becoming glamorous!