On 11 December 2024 IGEMO had its first public event on local sustainable mobility alternatives, within the Interreg North Sea Programme Mobility Makers project. In a rural location where bus services are discontinued, IGEMO tried to create enthousiasm for bike and car sharing.
The event took place in Mijlstraat, a hamlet of Duffel. In this location, two bus lines were to be eliminated due to restructuring. IGEMO, the Duffel commune and Vervoerregio Mechelen provide mobility alternatives such as car and bike sharing.
Around 25 local inhabitants were informed about the changes in public bus services by De Lijn. We have also introduced the shared bikes of Donkey Republic and the shared cars of Klimaan. Participants had the opportunity to test ride and drive, and ask questions about their particular transport solutions. We received some emotional and frustrated reactions, but also gratitude.
It appeared that mobility poverty is a real and pressing issue in this more rural location. Special thanks to Els Cousin, Luc Van Houtven, Tim Hermans, and Els Langenus. And, of course, our project manager Sander Bulens.