204 PART | V The future of ITS applications
of transport, such as cycling that can provide useful alternatives (European
Commission, 2015). Cycling is a sustainable mode of transport, with proven
benefits for individuals and society (e.g., health and fitness, green mobility,
etc.). However, it is still underutilized and supported compared to other modes.
While it is still considered as an offline activity, there are several research works
that consider the potential of smart “velomobility” and recommend the use of
IoT and ICT for including bicycles in urban transportation planning (Behrendt,
2016 ; Fishman, 2016 ). With the use of cycling apps in smartphones, people can
collect and share cycling data with other members of the app community as well
as with the local authorities, that can use them for improving urban planning
and highlighting routes of interest. Smart velomobility also covers electrically-
assisted bicycles (pedelecs, e-bikes) and other types of electric two-wheelers,
which are becoming quite popular in many cities.
A major change that impacted the popularity of velomobility, especially
for city visitors, is the rise of the “mobility as a service” concept. In the case
of bicycle and e-scooter rental apps, they allow registered users to buy usage
credits, geolocate bicycles that are close to them, use them for short distances,
drop them at any point and be charged by the usage time. The companies that
operate them are responsible for monitoring the status of the scooter batteries,
collect and re-charge them and reposition them to popular locations around the
city (e.g., outside the metro stations, points of touristic interest, etc.). Last but
not least, in order to guarantee the longevity and sustainability of smart mobil-
ity solutions and the transition to smarter, faster and safer transport systems,
it is important to support the technological advances and changes with policy
reforms (Docherty, Marsden & Anable 2018). Transport governance includes
the definitions of public policy for smart mobility that considers environmental,
economic and social externalities, adjusts the city planning (i.e., the design of
the transport network and the land usage plans) and sets the transport-related
economic goals. The main objectives of transport governance are to accom-
modate growth and set the standards for the transport system operation and the
desired levels of service. Governance must also support transport innovation
and be ready to take accountability for possible risks and prevent infrastructure
maintenance.
References
Behrendt, F. (2016). Why cycling matters for smart cities. Internet of bicycles for intelligent trans-
port, Journal of transport geography, 56 , 157–164.
Benevolo, C., Dameri, R.P., & D’Auria, B. (2016). Smart mobility in smart city. In Empowering
Organizations (pp. 13–28). Springer, Cham.
Docherty, I., Marsden, G., & Anable, J. (2018). The governance of smart mobility. Transportation
Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 115 , 114–125.
European Commission (2015). Walking and cycling as transport modes. Available from: http://
ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/specialist/knowledge/pedestrians/pedestriansand
cyclists_unprotected_road_users/walking_and_cycling_as_transport_modes_en.htm.