Momentum Transport Consultancy and Spatial Design Hub have today announced the launch of Micromobility PlannerTM – a cutting-edge geospatial analysis software tool and app designed to enable local authorities to optimise shared micromobility networks.
Developed for use by counties, local authorities and combined authorities, the subscription-based online tool is set to empower decision makers in UK and Ireland towns and cities to strategically plan micromobility, including eScooters and eBikes, as part of efficient, equitable and sustainable local transport plans.
Micromobility Planner has been developed with funding from The Department for Transport (DfT) in partnership with Connected Places Catapult through Transport Research and Innovation Grants’ (TRIG) local transport decarbonisation strand.
A new era in micromobility planning
Steve Hands, Transport Planner and Shared Micromobility Lead at Camden Council said: “Micromobility Planner would be particularly helpful to boroughs starting their micromobility journey. It provides valuable data to help with scheme planning and inform conversations with micromobility operators. In our experience, it’s essential to put parking zones in the right places to ensure all areas have access to these transport options and the zones meet local demand.”
Micromobility Planner addresses key challenges in the fast-evolving landscape of shared micromobility planning by providing:
- Comprehensive demand insights: The tool leverages census data and geospatial analytics to pinpoint areas of high demand, helping cities strategically deploy resources and micromobility services, maximise ridership potential, reduce carbon emissions and address transport deserts. The software can be used to determine the most suitable areas to start a new shared micromobility scheme, or to extend an existing one, and to define the shared micromobility scheme planners want to see by inputting desired operating areas and fleet size.
- Parking optimisation: By calculating parking density and accessibility requirements, the tool assists in designing infrastructure that reduces conflicts with pedestrians and minimises disruptions to car parking revenue. With Micromobility Planner, towns and cities can quickly decide how much micromobility parking space to provide and where to locate it, to avoid challenges such as pavement clutter.
- Customisable scenarios: Local authorities can easily model different scenarios to optimise docked and dockless bike schemes, eScooters and other shared micromobility systems.
- Sustainability alignment: The software integrates metrics to support cities’ sustainability and carbon-neutral goals.
Will Durden, managing director at Momentum said: “Local authorities are under pressure to reduce carbon emissions, promote sustainable transport and manage traffic congestion – and well-designed shared micromobility schemes, such as eBikes and eScooters, have great potential to redefine how people move around our towns and cities. But their integration comes with challenges.
“We have already seen several micromobility trials ending and being removed across the UK, and in large part we believe this is down to a lack of data, information and strategic exchange on questions such as fleet size, where micromobility hubs and parking locations should be placed and how many are needed to optimise their effectiveness.
“Local authorities currently have no choice but to rely on information from operators or to commission bespoke studies, both of which can be expensive. For a monthly subscription Micromobility Planner puts independent evidence at the fingertips of all local authorities in the UK and Ireland for the very first time, allowing them to take strategic, data-driven decisions on how micromobility can plug into their local transport networks most effectively.”
James O’Brien, founder of Spatial Design Hub added: “Our aim with Micromobility Planner is to combine Momentum’s bespoke consultancy with Spatial Design Hub’s expertise in geospatial analysis, and bespoke cloud-based technology solutions. As a result, Micromobility Planner harnesses powerful GIS data and analytics to give decision makers highly-granular, independent information which they can use to review and align operators’ proposals with their local priorities.
“This is a first for the UK and Ireland, and we believe it can revolutionise shared mobility by putting transport planners at towns and cities in the driving seat. We’re confident that more places will be able to plan seamless, user-friendly and environmentally-conscious shared micromobility networks by using Micromobility Planner, and taking more informed, strategic decisions.”
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- Micromobility Planner is available for every local authority in the UK and Ireland
- Media demos of the new software are available on request
- Images show screenshots from Micromobility Planner
About Micromobility Planner
Micromobility Planner is a powerful online tool developed to help towns and cities plan for shared micromobility solutions. Using advanced data analytics, Micromobility Planner provides granular insights for local authorities to make informed decisions on where and how to deploy micromobility services.
Micromobility Planner is a collaboration between Momentum Transport Consultancy and Spatial Design Hub, aimed at empowering cities to integrate shared mobility into their urban landscapes. By addressing both operational and strategic challenges, it serves as a vital tool in building connected, inclusive and sustainable cities.
Micromobility Planner is one of the proud winners of the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) 2023, funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and Catapult Connected Places.
About Momentum Transport Consultancy
Momentum is a leading integrated, people-first transport consultancy based in London, Montreal and Houston. Founded in 2012 the company creates transport strategies and solutions that inform, integrate with and are integral to every aspect of the built environment today and for the future. Focusing on the emerging, universal and critical issues facing development Momentum works with clients to address the multi-faceted challenges of the industry and to create forward-looking solutions. The company’s three core areas of specialism in planning, insight & analytics and engineering are bound together by a shared vision to improve the environments we live, work and play in. The company works in markets including commercial, cultural and heritage, education, major events, masterplanning, public realm, residential, retail and stadia and venues.
About Spatial Design Hub
Spatial Design Hub, the GIS and app developer for Micromobility Planner, is a leader in cutting-edge geospatial analysis, bespoke cloud-based digital solutions and GIS consultancy services. Renowned for integrating spatial data into practical decision-making, Spatial Design Hub partners with leading transport, urban planning and architectural consultancies to deliver transformative results. Our consultancy services provide tailored support for analysing, managing, and visualising complex data, empowering clients to make informed decisions. The company excels in turning intricate datasets into actionable insights, driving smarter, more sustainable urban planning and mobility solutions that meet the unique needs of local authorities and communities.
“Houston is one of the largest US cities. It’s experiencing a lot of growth in terms of population size.
There are a lot of folks moving down to Texas in general, and into Houston specifically. And so there’s a lot of infrastructure growth. The city and the local community recognizes that you can’t build a way out with freeways.
And so there’s a very big push to invest in transit, invest in sustainable modes, bikeways and more walkable communities. It’s a really great place to be. Houston has traditionally had the reputation of an oil and gas town, but it’s way more than that.
It’s a very cosmopolitan city, very diverse, very rich, with a lot of great industries here. And back to the transit and infrastructure side of things, there’s a big push to expand transit offerings, expand light rail, bus rapid transit, and make transit more accessible and usable.
The same goes for bikeways. Houston has over 1,800 miles of high-comfort bike lanes and natural trails. And so there’s a lot of investment, a lot of interest and a desire to really rethink how people travel around the city.”
From Conversations in Momentum: S3 #8 Conversations In Momentum – Hassan Madhoun on Momentum’s new US office, 4 Nov 2024
Based in Clerkenwell, the company will be showcasing its expertise in urban design by hosting two ‘re-imagining streets and spaces’ walking tours of the local area which will focus on examples of good urban and transport planning.
Will Durden, director at Momentum said: “Many people will be surprised to hear a group of engineers and transport planners talk about the work they do as ‘design’. But design, and specifically urban design, is an integral and essential part of everything we do at Momentum. Urban design focuses on the physical features of the places where people live and work. Where architects focus on individual buildings, urban designers plan for the municipal services, streets and public spaces in between them. Put simply it is about connecting people and spaces.
“We’re proud to be Fringe Partners of Clerkenwell Design Week this year. Clerkenwell is home to our London office, and to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else in the world, making it truly one of the most important design hubs.”
Clerkenwell Design Week takes place from 21-23 May 2019.
About Momentum
Momentum is a leading integrated, people-first transport consultancy. Founded in 2012 the company creates transport strategies and solutions that inform, integrate with and are integral to every aspect of the built environment today and for the future. Focusing on the emerging, universal and critical issues facing development Momentum works with clients to address the multi-faceted challenges of the industry and to create forward-looking solutions.
The company’s three core areas of specialism in planning, insight & analytics and engineering are bound together by a shared vision to improve the environments we live, work and play in. The company works in markets including commercial, cultural and heritage, education, major events, masterplanning, public realm, residential, retail and stadia and venues.
The standard, based on international best practice, is risk-based and includes aspects such as physical security, staff awareness, and data backup. The IASME standard was recently recognised as the best cyber security standard for small companies by the UK Government when in consultation with trade associations and industry groups. The IASME governance self assessment includes the Cyber Essentials assessment within it as well as an assessment against the requirements of the GDPR.
The audited IASME certification is seen as a realistic alternative to ISO27001 by an increasing number of companies.
About Momentum
Momentum is a leading integrated, people-first transport consultancy. Founded in 2012 the company creates transport strategies and solutions that inform, integrate with and are integral to every aspect of the built environment today and for the future. Focusing on the emerging, universal and critical issues facing development Momentum works with clients to address the multi-faceted challenges of the industry and to create forward-looking solutions.
The company’s three core areas of specialism in planning, insight & analytics and engineering are bound together by a shared vision to improve the environments we live, work and play in. The company works in markets including commercial, cultural and heritage, education, major events, masterplanning, public realm, residential, retail and stadia and venues.
For more information visit https://www.momentum-transport.com
About IASME
For more information on IASME please visit www.iasme.co.uk/
The Charter for Employers who are Positive about Mental Health is a voluntary agreement seeking to support employers in working within the spirit of its positive approach. The Charter is one element of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER® initiative which is aimed at increasing awareness of mental health in the workplace and supporting businesses in recruiting and retaining staff.
A wide range of employers from all over the UK are involved in the initiative which gives businesses and organisations easier access to information, practical support, training, networks and assistance from other employers.
Roy McGowan, Managing Director at Momentum said: “We try to take a positive and proactive approach to the wellbeing and mental health of our whole team, with initiatives including our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and training two of our staff as Mental Health First Aiders – enabling them to have a confidential conversation with anyone in the team who feels like they are struggling with their mental health. In the past year we’ve also really appreciated the support of Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust whose clinical psychologists have visited our offices to lead two training sessions for our staff on pressure and resilience, and perfectionism as part of their C&I Wellbeing outreach programme.
““Looking ahead we will be adopting and adapting the Mindful Employer Charter’s principles. The Charter also gives us access to a wealth of useful information about mental health and how to handle situations that may arise at work, which we believe is really important in empowering our staff who have supervisory responsibilities to spot potential issues and help others who may need some support.”
About Momentum
Momentum is a leading integrated, people-first transport consultancy. Founded in 2012 the company creates transport strategies and solutions that inform, integrate with and are integral to every aspect of the built environment today and for the future. Focusing on the emerging, universal and critical issues facing development Momentum works with clients to address the multi-faceted challenges of the industry and to create forward-looking solutions. The company’s three core areas of specialism in planning, insight & analytics and engineering are bound together by a shared vision to improve the environments we live, work and play in.
The company works in markets including commercial, cultural and heritage, education, major events, masterplanning, public realm, residential, retail and stadia and venues.
For more information visit https://www.momentum-transport.com
About Mindful Employer
MINDFUL EMPLOYER is a UK-wide initiative run by Workways, part of Devon Partnership NHS Trust.
More information at www.mindfulemployer.net
CHAS was created by experienced health and safety professionals in 1997 to improve health and safety standards across the UK. In partnership with the Association of London Government (ALG), CHAS was a key developer of the core criteria held in the Approved Code of Practice which supported the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (now recognised as CDM 2015) and is a founder member of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement).
Holding the CHAS accreditation demonstrates compliance with, and sound management of, current health and safety legislation.
About Momentum
Momentum is a leading integrated, people-first transport consultancy. Founded in 2012 the company creates transport strategies and solutions that inform, integrate with and are integral to every aspect of the built environment today and for the future. Focusing on the emerging, universal and critical issues facing development Momentum works with clients to address the multi-faceted challenges of the industry and to create forward-looking solutions.
The company’s three core areas of specialism in planning, insight & analytics and engineering are bound together by a shared vision to improve the environments we live, work and play in. The company works in markets including commercial, cultural and heritage, education, major events, masterplanning, public realm, residential, retail and stadia and venues.
For more information visit https://www.momentum-transport.com
About CHAS accreditation
For more information on CHAS please visit www.chas.co.uk
The certification has been awarded by the British Standards Institution following the implementation of a formal environmental management system in 2017 and two successful audit visits earlier in 2018.
Natalie Lloyd, senior consultant at Momentum said:
“At Momentum we care about our impact on the environment and are conscious of how we can work to reduce it. We decided to implement a formal system in 2017 to monitor, measure and evaluate our environmental objectives and are extremely proud to have achieved ISO 14001:2015 accreditation. As an organisation we have worked hard to introduce new measures to minimise our impact on the resources we use as part of our work.”
Roy McGowan, managing director at Momentum said:
“Setting and following our own environmental management framework aligns really well with our ethos as individuals – and also as an organisation, where our work and design focuses on people and the use of sustainable transport modes and solutions.”
About Momentum
Momentum is a leading integrated, people-first transport consultancy. Founded in 2012 the company creates transport strategies and solutions that inform, integrate with and are integral to every aspect of the built environment today and for the future. Focusing on the emerging, universal and critical issues facing development Momentum works with clients to address the multi-faceted challenges of the industry and to create forward-looking solutions. The company’s three core areas of specialism in planning, insight & analytics and engineering are bound together by a shared vision to improve the environments we live, work and play in. The company works in markets including commercial, cultural and heritage, education, major events, masterplanning, public realm, residential, retail and stadia and venues.
For more information visit https://www.momentum-transport.com
About ISO 14001:2015
The purpose of International Standard 14001:2015 is to provide organisations with a framework to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions in balance with socio-economic needs. It specifies requirements that enable an organisation to achieve the intended outcomes it sets for its environmental management system.
A systematic approach to environmental management can provide top management with information to build success over the long term and create options for contributing to sustainable development by:
• protecting the environment by preventing or mitigating adverse environmental impacts;
• mitigating the potential adverse effect of environmental conditions on the organisation;
• assisting the organisation in the fulfilment of compliance obligations;
• enhancing environmental performance;
• controlling or influencing the way the organisation’s products and services are designed, manufactured, distributed, consumed and disposed by using a life cycle perspective that can prevent environmental impacts from being unintentionally shifted elsewhere within the life cycle;
• achieving financial and operational benefits that can result from implementing environmentally sound alternatives that strengthen the organisation’s market position;
• communicating environmental information to relevant interested parties.