VIANOVA with partners from all the seven Alpine countries, is an Alpine Space project that aims to reduce car traffic and motivate people to use non-motorised and sustainable modes of transport based on physical activities such as cycling and walking. A cross-sectoral approach (land use planning - mobility – health) will combine measures that fit perfectly to the sensible Alpine Space.
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VIANOVA objectives
VIANOVA aims at reducing the load that car transportation, especially car trips with only one person inside, produces on living conditions and public spaces in the Alpine Space. The consequences of car transportation do not only impact on the environment, but also on social life and people's health. Therefore, public spaces, which are currently designed for the cars' needs, will be redesigned for the use of people. New means for promoting sustainable transportation, especially means connected to physical activity, will be developed and tested. For a successful promotion of public transport, cycling, walking and intermodal transportation, a comprehensive three-level-approach has been chosen. This approach allows to tackle the problem as follows: - Level 1: Improvement of the objective situation of public space for mobility connected to physical activities (e.g. air quality, infrastructure, barriers, organisation, intermodality). - Level 2: Improvement of people's perception of public space for walking and cycling. - Level 3: User motivation for sustainable model choice.
VIANOVA main topics
The project is split into five thematical focal points.
Walking
Walking is an evolved and natural means of human transport. Its role has declined during the last few decades albeit many cities have conditions for good walking networks and an active walking culture.
VIANOVA promotes better conditions for walking in urban areas through the development of a comprehensive network of paths. The network should be attractive, safe, inviting and user-friendly, contributing in this way to the improvement of the image of walking. One of the project's focus is to design, walking miles, which can make walking more entertaining by engaging minds and senses along their path.
Cycling
Cycling gives a good chance to combine two major advantages in one transportation means: to be physically active on the trip and to be fast and independent. Cycling can easily subsitite any car trip up to 3 km (2 miles) without any loss of time.
VIANOVA aims to build a positive image of bikes as a transport mode for everyday life and improving cycling conditions for different target groups. The municipality of Bolzano has developed a very successful cycling system called Bici Bolzano. It is based on marketing strategies; a corporate design, a clever and easy to use sing posting and cycling path network as well as marketing and awareness activities add up to a comprehensive approach. Bici Bolzano is already well documented and can be easily copied and implemented by interested municipalities. An Incoming Package invites you to visit and experience the Cycling System of Bolzano yourself.
Intermodality
Intermodality enables people to design their mobility using all modes of transportation. KEOLIS Besançon - a French public transport company - develops means for integrating cycling, walking and public transport using well developed communication and marketing campaigns. The innovative model demonstrations of VIANOVA will show how trip chaining and seamless door to door connections can work best by sustainable transport modes. Experiences will be documented, thus facilitating the transfer of the developed models to planners and other interested entities of the Alpine Space and beyond.
Mobility for 50+
VIANOVA takes up one of the most challenging developments of our society: the aging population. The main goal is to help people keep mobile independently of age. The living environment has to be adapted to the specific needs of elderly people. The awareness of both sides - elderlies and responsible persons for transport provision - for the field of mobility and senior citizens will be raised by two conferences and by demonstration projects, leading to practical strategies.
Policies and recommendations
VIANOVA contains two main fields of policies: PM10 measures and the Slovenian National Strategy on Promoting Health Enhancing Physical Activity. Both strategies will be presented with the details for implementation and a guide for a successful development for followers including hinders and good experiences of the original implementers.
Results
The results of the project will be presented during the VIA NOVA Training in December 2007 in Triesenberg, Liechtenstein. The training is designed for potential followers form the Alpine Space. Everyone interested (such as planners and decision makers form public administrations, transport providers, companies, institutions from the health sector, ...) are invited to take place in the meeting.
For each topic VIANOVA develops strategies and implements activities coordinated by the respective responsible partner.