TOP STORIES 🔥

⏩ VeloVision fast-tracks infrastructure assessments

After analyzing more than 100 km of cycling infrastructure across pilots in Barcelona and Sarajevo, we are pleased to announced that VeloVision is fully operational.

The AI-powered cycling infrastructure assessment tool, developed by FACTUAL, Fluctuo and Social Tech Projects — in partnership with EIT Urban Mobility — is transforming the way cities evaluate and improve their cycling networks.

Using advanced computer vision and data analytics, VeloVision processes 165 distinct cycling-related attributes, and reduced the time required for infrastructure assessments by 25%. During the pilots, VeloVision automatically generated 14,000 geolocated safety improvement recommendations, providing actionable insights for enhancing cycling safety and connectivity.

Damir Margeta, Bicycle Infrastructure Advocacy Director for Sarajevo, noted that the project delivered “valuable data on missing links and safety concerns”, supporting targeted improvements. Ruth Lamas, Head of the Metropolitan Bicycle Office in Barcelona, emphasized that the insights gained allow for better planning and measurement of cycling infrastructure development and usage.

 🛴 Athens’ shared mobility re-birth

Although Greece implemented rules for light electric personal vehicles (Ε.Π.Η.O in Greek) in March 2021, Athens never established a concrete framework for rental schemes operating in public spaces. While other cities began working on sustainable urban mobility plans (ΣΒΑΚ), Athens lagged behind.

Lime and Hive entered the Athenian market in December 2018 and February 2019 respectively, withdrew by February 2020, citing unclear regulations. In 2022 and 2023, new players like hopp, Ridemovi and bee scooters arrived in the Attica region (metropolitan area of Athens), with hop and a franchise of hopp joining in 2024. However, it wasn’t until this year when Lime and Ridemovi re-entered, alongside hoppy and Dott, bringing the total number of operators to seven.

With multiple operators, nonexistent infrastructure for parking or dedicated lanes, and limited pedestrian areas, the situation quickly spiralled out of control. Images of chaotic scooter clutter circulated widely online, fuelling public frustration. Mounting complaints from residents, municipal authorities, and even operators themselves finally spurred action. Last week, Athens’ mayor and his administration met with operators to discuss the city’s future framework:

• Data-sharing

• 70 designated parking zones

• No-go and low-speed zones

• Vehicle identification

• Fees for vehicle occupancy in public spaces

Athens may have been late to the game, but this newfound commitment marks a turning point in its shared mobility journey.

Written by Alèxandros Tziampazis, Strategy, Growth & Operations Freelance Consultant

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CITY UPDATES 🌐

Nice (FR) | Lime launch new model of LimeBike.

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