This Week in Urban Mobility

Welcome to This Week in Urban Mobility, your curated digest of the most important developments shaping the future of how we move in European cities. As an industry insider, I'm passionate about cutting through the noise to bring you the news, trends, and insights that truly matter for urban mobility professionals.

1. Wunder Mobility Snaps Up GoUrban, Pioneers the Future of Micromobility Tech

Wunder Mobility Acquires GoUrban, Empowers Entrepreneurs and Cities with Next Generation of Shared Mobility Tech Platforms

Wunder Mobility has acquired goUrban , enhancing its shared mobility tech capabilities. Handling 50 million trips annually in 200 cities, this move integrates multimodal systems and station-based models, allowing local entrepreneurs and cities to innovate faster. As micromobility markets mature, the focus shifts from scale to user experience and efficiency.

Industry consolidation continues. GoUrban, which started with a fleet of NIU Technologies shared mopeds back in 2017 in Vienna, now joins forces with Wunder Mobility. Big props to Wunder CEO and founder Gunnar Froh and GoUrban CEO Bojan Jukic for leading the charge!

2. Madrid Shuts Down App-Rented E-Scooters Over Safety Failures

Madrid moves to ban app-rented e-scooters over safety concerns

Madrid will ban e-scooters rented via apps like Lime , Dott , and TIER Mobility from October, citing failure to control parking and enforce safety regulations. The city, echoing Paris's earlier move, determined that operators could not meet safety requirements, such as ensuring scooters stayed out of pedestrian zones and historic areas. The decision affects the 6,000 scooters previously authorized, leaving no room for new licenses.

Yet another city failure. Hopefully, the growing number of success stories across European cities will eventually inspire places like Paris and Madrid to rethink their stance, proving that shared micromobility is an essential part of sustainable urban mobility.

3. Cycling Distances in England Drop to Decade-Low: Calls for Action Intensify

Average cycling distances in England fall to lowest levels in a decade

New figures from the Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom reveal that average cycling distances in England fell to just 47 miles per person in 2023, marking a significant decline from previous years and the lowest in a decade. Despite recent promises of increased funding for active travel from the Labour government, experts and campaigners argue that more immediate action is needed. While cycling’s role in commuting has diminished, leisure cycling has risen. The data also highlights growing car dependence and a stark mobility divide linked to income disparities, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms in the transport system.

The dramatic drop in cycling distances underscores the necessity for effective government intervention to revitalize cycling infrastructure and address the growing inequality in mobility access.

4. New Night Train from Brussels to Venice Adds Sustainability to Scenic Travel

New Brussels to Venice night train: The 9 cities en route, what it will cost and how to book

Starting February 5, 2025, European Sleeper will launch its night train service from Brussels to Venice, perfect for travelers heading to the Alps for winter sports. The scenic route stops in nine cities, offering an eco-friendly alternative to flying. It’s another step in the growing night train comeback across Europe, providing both comfort and sustainability.

I took this company’s night train to Prague last month for our family holiday—amazing experience! Excited to see Elmer van Buuren and his team pushing night trains forward!

5. The Deadly Weight of SUVs: How America’s Heavy Vehicles Impact Road Safety

America's love affair with big cars is killing them

A recent analysis reveals that America's growing fleet of heavy vehicles, including SUVs and pickup trucks, significantly impacts road safety. Heavier vehicles provide more protection for their occupants but increase the risk of fatal injuries for others involved in crashes. Data shows that while the safety benefits for drivers of large vehicles are evident, the overall risk to other road users, including drivers of smaller cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, has risen. This trend highlights the urgent need for regulatory changes to address the dangers posed by these disproportionately heavy vehicles and to improve overall road safety.

This situation underscores yet another compelling argument against the use of SUVs in urban settings worldwide, where their size and weight contribute to a range of safety and environmental issues.

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