Weekly Newsletter Update - 3 Nov 2023

Micromobility services have taken the world by storm, offering convenient and eco-friendly transportation options in urban areas. This week, we're diving into two stories that illustrate the growing commitment of cities to strengthen their micromobility fleets and prioritise the safety of riders and pedestrians.

In a bid to enhance rider and pedestrian safety, the City of Darwin , Australia, has awarded Beam, a shared micromobility operator, a two-year operational license. This decision followed a competitive tender process, demonstrating the city's commitment to providing residents and visitors with safe and efficient micromobility options. Beam's operation in Darwin utilises an artificial intelligence-powered system that incorporates road surface detection, marking a significant advancement in micromobility safety. The inclusion of AI-based safety technology in e-scooters is a crucial step toward reducing accidents and ensuring a safer urban environment. It demonstrates the evolution of micromobility services from mere convenience to responsible and sustainable urban transportation.

Meanwhile, in Madrid, a partnership between See.Sense and Dott , is set to transform road safety for e-scooter users. The two companies are embarking on a groundbreaking road safety initiative designed to make e-scooter journeys in the Spanish capital safer and more secure.?Over a 12-week "proof of concept" trial period, a selection of Dott's e-scooters will be equipped with sensors provided by See.Sense. These sensors are equipped with technology that observes rider behaviour, thereby gathering valuable data that can be used to enhance safety measures for e-scooter users in Madrid.

The above demonstrates that cities are taking proactive steps to improve the safety and efficiency of micromobility services. The integration of artificial intelligence and innovative sensor technology into e-scooters and other micromobility options is just one example of the commitment to creating a safer urban environment for all. As the demand for micromobility services continues to grow, these advancements in safety technology will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban transportation.

Luke Antoniou , Senior editor, SmartCitiesWorld

Here is a round up of the headline stories from the past week:

1. NYC aims dashboard to bring transparency to capital projects
2. 10 HQ buildings leading the way for sustainability
3. SPECIAL REPORT: How a digital twin helped to modernise Brazil’s sanitation system
4. Developer unveils plans to create ￡5bn UK climate tech hub
5. Companies team to improve micromobility safety in Madrid
6. Eight smart tech products to be tested in Colorado cities
7. OPINION: Why housing plans must factor in multimodal transit systems
8. Accelerators team for sustainable mobility pitch challenge
9. City of Darwin strengthens micromobility fleet
10. Milton Keynes supports businesses to take climate action
11. Podcast: Exploring Sunderland's smart city connectivity credentials
12. US DoT to make $40m available to advance V2X technologies
13. London-wide clean air zone drives down pollution further
14. European digital accelerator joins coalition for climate tech
15. OPINION: The three key pillars of digital urban transformation
16. Australian airport bus service goes contactless in Hobart
17. Los Angeles roadmap aims to accelerate emissions reduction
18. Santiago uses AI to transform public transport network
19. Seoul implements intelligent disaster prevention system
20. Students take 15-minute city approach to reimagining urban spaces
21. Chicago launches innovation taskforce for city transformation
22. Cop28: E-mobility partner announced for Expo City Dubai event
23. Innovation campus launches real-estate experience app