Micromobility : testing suitability through fcd to improve overall mobility

Abstract

Micromobility refers to the use of small, lightweight, and often non-motorised vehicles for short trips and last-mile connections that can either by privately owned, or part of a transport offering through a fleet of vehicles owned by a mobility service provider. Micromobility solutions have the potential to significantly reduce congestion and improve the urban environment. This paper aims to investigate how floating car data (FCD) can be used to evaluate the opportunity for micromobility to unlock mobility solutions for both short trips (5 km to 10 km) and long trips (>10 km), to encourage more sustainable urban movement. This paper investigates micromobility options using the town of Stellenbosch as a case study. The potential role of micromobility is investigated by considering typical trip patterns in Stellenbosch, collected through commercial FCD detailing motorised trips. The option of creating linkages between micromobility and infrastructural elements such as vehicle parking areas and “park and ride” facilities to increase the reach of micromobility are also considered. The research revealed a high level of suitability of micromobility for internal trips made within Stellenbosch, and external trips heading into Stellenbosch from surrounds when coupled with infrastructure upgrades (“park and ride”) and ride-share facilities. The paper also demonstrates the benefits of FCD for micromobility planning.