The future of urban mobility after the pandemic | CNBC Reports

Summary

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced cities worldwide to rethink urban mobility, with a focus on social distancing and reducing reliance on public transport. In London, initiatives like protected bike lanes, wider pavements, and low-traffic neighborhoods are encouraging walking and cycling. The rise of micromobility, including electric scooters, is also transforming city travel. While cities like London embrace these new forms of transport, urban planners are working to ensure their safety and integration into the existing infrastructure. The pandemic has accelerated the push for sustainable urban mobility solutions to combat pollution and improve public health.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for urban planners to focus on social distancing while maintaining city mobility.
• 😀 Historical pandemics, like the Athens plague and London’s Cholera outbreak, have shaped urban infrastructure, including sewage systems to prevent disease spread.
• 😀 In response to the pandemic, cities are focusing on creating safe spaces for cycling and walking to reduce reliance on public transport.
• 😀 In London, there has been a significant increase in cycling, spurred by safer bike lanes, wider pavements, and low-traffic neighbourhoods.
• 😀 Transport for London (TfL) has already built over 100 miles of cycleways, with further plans to expand the network.
• 😀 The growth of micromobility options, such as electric scooters and skateboards, has been fueled by the need for alternative, socially distanced transport.
• 😀 The global electric scooter market is expected to grow rapidly, from $20 billion in 2023 to $42 billion by 2030, with the number of shared e-scooters set to increase dramatically.
• 😀 Companies like Bird and Voi are leading the micromobility charge, with Bird aiming to expand in regions like the UK despite challenges in the Middle East.
• 😀 Despite their popularity, micromobility vehicles face regulatory challenges in cities, with many requiring careful integration into existing transport infrastructure to ensure safety.
• 😀 Urban mobility is evolving to address climate change, health concerns, and post-pandemic needs, with city planners, businesses, and entrepreneurs driving the transformation.

Q & A

How did pandemics in history influence urban planning?

Pandemics, such as the Athens plague in 430 BC and the cholera outbreak in London in the 1850s, have historically driven changes in urban planning to protect public health. For example, the Victoria Embankment in London was built not as an attraction, but to improve sanitation and prevent future cholera outbreaks.

What role does social distancing play in post-pandemic urban mobility planning?

Post-pandemic, urban mobility planning focuses on maintaining social distancing while ensuring mobility. This involves creating safe cycling routes, widening pavements, and reducing traffic congestion, especially in public transport and on streets, to avoid the spread of illness.

How are city planners encouraging more people to cycle in London?

London's walking and cycling commissioner, Will Norman, encourages cycling by building protected bike lanes, widening pavements, and creating low-traffic neighborhoods. These measures aim to make streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians and to reduce car usage.

What impact has the Covid-19 pandemic had on cycling habits in London?

The pandemic has led to a surge in cycling, with many people buying bikes and getting them repaired. The warm spring and transport restrictions made cycling an attractive alternative to crowded public transport.

What are micromobility vehicles, and how have they become popular?

Micromobility vehicles, such as electric scooters and skateboards, are small, usually electric-powered transportation options. Their popularity grew during the pandemic as people sought alternatives to crowded public transport, and the market for them is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

What challenges do micromobility vehicles face in major cities?

Many cities have either banned or imposed regulations on micromobility vehicles due to safety concerns, such as ensuring they don’t obstruct pavements or cause accidents. However, cities with existing bike lanes have seen quicker adoption of these vehicles.

How does the adoption of e-scooters compare to bicycles in urban areas?

E-scooters and bicycles are similar in speed and width, making e-scooters suitable for integration into existing bike lane infrastructure. However, their adoption is still evolving, with e-scooter companies like Bird and Voi expanding in markets like the UK.

What are the projected growth figures for the global e-scooter market?

The global e-scooter market was valued at $20 billion and is projected to reach $42 billion by 2030. The number of shared e-scooters worldwide is expected to rise from 774,000 in 2019 to 4.6 million by 2024.

Why did Bird shut down its operation in the Middle East?

Bird shut down its Middle East operation and destroyed thousands of e-scooters due to a merger with another company. The merger led to restructuring challenges, including operational adjustments and the discontinuation of the Middle Eastern market.

How is Transport for London (TfL) addressing the challenges of micromobility in the city?

TfL is focusing on walking and cycling as the primary modes of transport but acknowledges the growth of new technologies, including e-scooters. The city is working to regulate the number of e-scooters to ensure they are safely integrated into the transportation system without causing congestion or safety hazards.