Smart Futures

This report, jointly prepared by Arup and Urban Transport Group, is intended as a starter for collaborative discussions between authorities, operators and users about the human dimension of the decarbonisation agenda, aiming to make our future transport system available, accessible, affordable and acceptable for all (also know as the Four A's). 

The report presents a checklist for assessing the role of future mobility in creating a more equitable travel experience and informing discussions about future policy, infrastructure and services.

It says that embracing new technologies will play a key role in decarbonising transport and help towns and cities to achieve net zero emissions – but that steps must also be taken to ensure that the way new technologies are applied does not marginalise some groups or reinforce existing inequalities.

Our city regions rely on the smooth movement of goods to keep supermarket shelves stocked, hospitals supplied with medicine and other equipment, to deliver construction materials and support thriving economies.

However, the current dominance of road freight, produces many negative impacts for our cities.

This report sets out the role for freight in decarbonising city regions and the need for freight to play its part in creating urban areas that are greener, fairer, happier, healthier and more prosperous places.

This report, produced by consultants Steer for the Urban Transport Group, aims to quantify and understand the potential to increase e-bike uptake in the UK, particularly in the city regions, and the benefits that could be realised as a result. It breaks new ground by presenting different scenarios on the potential for e-bikes to achieve mode shift from cars and taxis, and to deliver environmental and economic benefits. 

The report also aims to support urban transport authorities to consider practical approaches to increasing e-bike uptake.