Cargobike Trendsportal – competition for citizens’ engagement in co-planning
Published on 03 June 2020
Netherlands
Limburg (NL)
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The Municipality of Venlo purchased an electric cargo bike and have it labelled in the Trendsportal house style. This electric cargo bike was then used during the entire policy-making process to create attention and involvement with the citizens so that a first contact moment was created. The municipality discussed mobility issues with people in various ways and how they could make their own mobility more sustainable (for example by using the bicycle more often). People were invited to take a picture of themselves by bicycle and share it on social media with the remark how they envision mobility in the region in 2040. This generated traffic on social media, so the awareness grew and the municipality was able to reach and inform more people about Trendsportal. At the end of the policy-making process the municipality awarded the bike among the participants of the photo contest.
Expert opinion
Bike transport is not only for people, but also for goods – but they are comparatively underused. Many cities and regions and aiming to boost the use of cargo bikes, helping to decarbonise urban logistics and reduce congestion. In some cases, city centres allow only cargo bikes into no-car zones for deliveries, sometimes in tandem with the use of collection and distribution centres on city outskirts. With the right policy framework, the potential for cargo bikes is very high. Efforts such as this can help to raise awareness of cargo bikes amongst both policy-makers and citizens.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The purchase cost the (electric) cargo bike, which is approximately € 5000.
Evidence of success
Thanks to this promotion, at least 400 people have provided more input for the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan of the municipality.
Potential for learning or transfer
The practice can be easily adopted by other regions/ cities, as it generates great results in citizens’ engagement with a small investment.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
other
Netherlands
Limburg (NL)
Contact
policy advisor Mobility