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FIM calls to recognise Powered
Two Wheeler contribution to urban mobility
This forum held in Venice on 7-8
November was dedicated to the theme "Mobility and People:
understanding and governing individual, collective and institutional
behaviour for sustainable mobility in urban areas". It gathered
an invited audience of one hundred leading policy makers (including
MEPs and Mayors from a number of European cities).
Among the keynote speakers was the FIM's Director of Public Affairs,
John Chatterton-Ross who said: "Whatever public policy documents
may say, the fact on the ground is that more citizens are taking
to two wheels and an engine to satisfy their requirements. It
is a case where public policy needs to catch up with the citizen,
not the other way around".
In the current climate where cycling and walking are constantly
promoted as alternatives whilst scooters and motorcycles are
often ignored he added: "The UK government recognised the
need to integrate PTW use into transport planning and has a National
Motorcycling Strategy. It was created in a partnership, with
government combining the contributions of all stakeholders. In
this I think it is unique in all the Member States, being a national
strategy.
Some city governments have also taken the lead Barcelona
being one. These examples and others such as the longest use
of bus lanes by PTWs known to anyone Stockholm will
help the next phase of consultation on the EU Green paper".
At the conclusion of the conference (organised by Mo.Ve Mobility
Forum, a Brussels based NGO) he concluded: "The FIM appreciates
this opportunity to correct the imbalance in the current discussions.
I was pleased that at this conference there was none of the usual
private transport-public transport clash. All modes of transport
have their place in the journey chain and those who select a
powered two-wheeler are contributing positively to reducing urban
congestion."
For more information on Mo.Ve Mobility forum see: www.move-forum.net
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