What are the benefits of gentle mobility for our society and environment in 2024?
It cannot be denied that France today faces increasingly significant challenges regarding climate change, with transport contributing heavily to greenhouse gas emissions. In the face of these challenges, gentle mobility appears to be a promising solution that makes it possible to reduce our carbon footprint while improving our quality of life. But what is gentle mobility and what benefits does it offer in 2024?
Gentle mobility, what is it?
Haven't heard of gentle mobility yet? This term encompasses all forms of transport that are environmentally friendly, emit little carbon dioxide, and are beneficial to health. It aims to replace environmentally harmful vehicles while remaining accessible to all road users.
Good to know: Yes, electric or hybrid vehicles, carpooling, car sharing, and cycling are all examples of sustainable mobility. This gentle mobility is part of a broader approach to the environment and sustainable development.
A reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
In France, 53% of the transport sector's carbon footprint comes from private vehicles. A combustion engine vehicle emits more over its entire lifecycle than an electric vehicle. In contrast, the use of active transport causes no greenhouse gas emissions and therefore no pollution.
In this sense, gentle mobility optimizes traffic flow and prevents congestion from occurring, while simultaneously reducing air pollution by default. In 2021, a study published in a scientific journal confirms thatfavoring cyclingand walking over the car, even just once a week, can reduce personal transport-related CO2 emissions by a quarter.
Air quality is improved
Unlike motorized vehicles, which emit nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, active mobility produces no harmful substances. By preserving air quality in this way, gentle mobility contributes to protecting our health.
Did you know? Beyond maintaining good physical fitness, active mobility can increase life expectancy by two years.
The development of gentle mobility pursues two main objectives: improving the population's quality of life and revitalizing city centers. By using active transport, travel time can be optimized. According to ADEME, the bicycle is faster than the car for distances between 1 and 5 km, since cyclists in the city travel at an average speed of 15 km/h, while car drivers only travel at 14 km/h. By restricting motorized traffic, pedestrian zones in city centers are also promoted, more bike lanes are created, noise pollution is reduced, and parking spaces are used for other purposes.
The necessary mobilization of companies and authorities
To promote the transition to gentle mobility and achieve carbon neutrality, the French government has created various financial incentives. These include the sustainable mobility bonus, which supports the purchase of more environmentally friendly transport. The Mobility Guidance Law (Loi d'Orientation des Mobilités, LOM) is designed to facilitate the introduction of new low-carbon transport while reducing rental and purchase prices for public transport.