Shared mobility is becoming an essential strategy in urban planning, particularly in addressing the mobility challenges of residents in social housing. The SHARE-North Squared (SN²) project, an Interreg North Sea Region project funded by the EU, focuses on improving social housing environments by integrating shared mobility options, promoting multimodal travel behaviors, and reducing reliance on private vehicles. One of the cities participating in this project is Mechelen, where SN² aims to foster sustainable mobility by cutting down car ownership and parking demand.
The housing association Rivierenland (Woonland) and the city of Mechelen are key partners in this project, with the city providing communication and awareness-raising support, and Woonland leading the infrastructural developments.
How Mechelen and Woonland Analyzed and Unlocked Mobility Potential
To assess current mobility needs and opportunities, VLOT, the mobility coordination center for the Mechelen region, conducted a detailed environmental analysis. This involved an inventory of existing mobility options and functional amenities, compiled through desk research and site visits. A neighborhood survey also provided insights into the demographic profile of households, travel behavior, and mobility challenges.
Surveys were conducted online and in person among residents in two primary locations: Arsenaal and neighborhood Oud Oefenplein including Antwerpsesteenweg. The responses highlighted differences between these areas, including mobility preferences, barriers to transport, and willingness to adopt shared mobility. Based on these findings, discussions were held with shared mobility providers to explore implementation possibilities, focusing on short-term solutions for the SN² project, which runs until 2026.
Key Insights from the Needs Analysis
Stad Mechelen and Woonland organize events to have a talk with the residents called 'Buurtbabbel'.
The needs analysis revealed differing mobility challenges across the surveyed areas:
- Draaibankstraat & Leuvensesteenweg: These locations house both young families and elderly individuals. While bicycle use exceeds car use in this area, respondents expressed a desire for bike parking facilities and better road safety measures. Some respondents (21%) had used a car-sharing service, with interest in shared mobility solutions focused primarily on the potential cost savings. However, barriers such as inadequate public transport infrastructure and limited awareness of social transport options still exist.
- Antwerpsesteenweg & Oud Oefenplein: This area, with an older and more vulnerable population, faces distinct challenges, such as physical disabilities, language barriers, and a reliance on family or friends for travel. Public transport is commonly used, but interest in shared mobility is minimal due to accessibility issues and a lack of awareness about available services.
Recommendations
Draaibankstraat & Leuvensesteenweg:
- Enhance the visibility and accessibility of shared mobility by introducing an electric shared car at the Woonland car park.
- Organize information sessions with autodelen.net to raise awareness about shared mobility and encourage residents to participate.
- Improve bicycle infrastructure by creating secure bike parking and installing repair stations to promote cycling.
- Increase quality of life through infrastructural changes, such as speed-reducing measures and enhanced street aesthetics.
Antwerpsesteenweg & Oud Oefenplein:
- Improve public transport access by upgrading bus stops and promoting existing social transport options like Mobitwin and social tariffs for public transport.
- Address mobility gaps for residents with physical disabilities by introducing accessible transport options.
- Explore the possibility of introducing an electric shared car or cargo bike for residents in Oud Oefenplein.
There are already many different options of shared mobility in Mechelen
What about the future?
To ensure the long-term success of shared mobility in social housing projects, future developments should incorporate sustainable mobility solutions from the planning stages. When designing or renovating social housing, local governments and housing associations should conduct surveys and site visits to understand residents' needs. Additionally, reducing parking spaces in favor of shared mobility can be a powerful motivator for residents to adopt more sustainable transport options.
A collaborative approach is key. By involving various stakeholders—such as mobility providers, local governments, and housing associations—Mechelen can tailor mobility solutions to the specific needs of social housing residents, providing mobility hubs, car-sharing schemes, and cycling lessons.
The SN² project in Mechelen highlights the unique mobility profiles of social housing residents. Lower car ownership, openness to shared mobility, and interest in financial savings are critical factors for the successful implementation of shared mobility options. This research emphasizes the importance of environmental analysis and participatory approaches to understanding social residents' mobility needs. By working together, stakeholders can deliver customized, sustainable mobility solutions that enhance the quality of life for social housing residents.
Written by: Steffie De Moor
Pictures Copyright by: Stad Mechelen