Working Group on Mobility in Suburban Areas
The Shift Project launched a Working Group (WG) on daily mobility in suburban areas in 2013. Its initial objective was to issue proposals for practical and replicable measures to decarbonise mobility, thus minimizing the potential effects of energy insecurity.
In March 2016, The Shift Project appointed Francisco Luciano head of a new Working Group.
Context
Over 80% of trips in the suburban areas of France are made by car, the result of decades of public and private investment encouraging urban sprawl. Undoing this process will take time. In the short-term, the unavoidable increase in oil prices – and the introduction of taxes designated to discourage people from using fossil fuels – will affect the lives of the many inhabitants living in these car-dependent areas.
Despite its importance, this issue did not receive much attention during the national debate on the Energy Transition nor in the proposals that resulted from the Grenelle de l’environnement (currently called the Environmental Conference).
Field of investigation and objectives
The Shift Project therefore decided to identify and analyze the potential of short- and medium term measures to reduce mobility-related emissions in suburban areas. This reduction in carbon emissions must be accompanied by an improvement in access to mobility, notably for low-income households.
The Working Group will initially focus on French suburban areas but actively seek food-for-thought and data from other countries.
Methodology
The Working Group gathers a dozen contributors – professionals, innovative project leaders, mobility experts – who will meet on a monthly basis to review progress and discuss specific issues. The research work will be carried out by Francisco Luciano with the help of an assistant, a network of experienced volunteers from The Shift Project and the members of the Working Group.
Beyond the study
Through its work, The Shift Project seeks to weigh in on decisions promoting the emergence of a low-carbon economy. Recommendations are brought forward to French and European Parliamentarians, representatives of the European Commission, French ministries and economic actors from a variety of sectors.
The Working Group’s final publication with recommendations on mobility will be released at the end of 2016. In addition to circulating the report among socio-economic actors, The Shift Project will put forward its proposals through meetings with policy-makers, targeted media actions and expert conferences.
Contact
Francisco Luciano – Project Manager
francisco.luciano@theshiftproject.org
Nicolas Raillard – Assistant Project Manager
nicolas.raillard@theshiftproject.org
Clémence Vorreux – Assistante Affaires Publiques & communication
clemence.vorreux@theshiftproject.org
