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.
The Houston location will be led by Hassan Madhoun, focusing on key sectors including aviation, stadia and mixed-use district developments.
Madhoun joined Momentum in March 2024 and has over a decade of experience in the transport industry. His portfolio of work includes leading a variety of mobility projects and delivering transportation solutions for George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 105th CFL Grey Cup, the NHL 100 Classic and the North American debut of La Machine, the world-renowned large-scale French production.
Hassan Madhoun, director at Momentum Transport said: “I’m thrilled to have joined Momentum and to help build the company’s presence in the United States. The USA is a dynamic market with exciting projects in the aviation, stadia and mixed-use development sectors, where innovative and sustainable mobility solutions are required.”
Will Durden, managing director at Momentum Transport Consultancy, said: “We’ve worked on projects in the USA for a number of years and it’s an exciting time for us to now set up a permanent home in Houston to build on our experience. With both the FIFA World Cup 26 and the LA28 Olympic Games on the horizon for the USA, we’re looking forward to working with clients who are looking for a people-first approach to movement and transport.”
Notes to editor
- Image shows Hassan Madhoun, director, Momentum Transport Consultancy at Momentum’s new Houston hub
- Momentum’s Houston hub is based at: 401 N Franklin Street, Suite 2400 – 124, Houston, TX 77002
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.
Kayla Ellis, community development associate at ESGmark® said: “Through their employment practices, social and environmental initiatives and governance, it is clear that Momentum cares about creating positive impact for their employees, clients, and in communities. They are committed to implementing and encouraging sustainability and best practice within the transport sector, and we are excited to welcome the Momentum team to the ESGmark® community!”
Will Durden, managing director at Momentum Transport Consultancy said: “At Momentum we’re passionate about sustainability and helping our clients to deliver more environmentally- and socially-responsible outcomes for their projects and the communities they serve. ESGmark® certification shows that we take ESG seriously and are always looking for new ways to make a positive change to the planet and society.”
About ESGmark®
ESGmark® is the community for people and organisations who care about the planet and society. The ESGmark® is also a symbol of trust and distinction which allows consumers to identify organisations who believe in and act to deliver a fairer, more sustainable future. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives help organisations contribute to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by working to improve the lives of global citizens and safeguarding our planet. ESGmark® helps simplify these complex and important issues, and supports businesses along their ESG journey. Belonging to the ESGmark® community shows that a company cares about making a positive change to the planet and society.
About Momentum Transport Consultancy
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 transport sector is the biggest contributor of carbon emissions in the UK. Globally, transport accounts for approximately one quarter of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Momentum recognises that the traditional “business as usual” approach to transport planning is inadequate in the context of the climate change emergency facing the modern world.
Roy McGowan will transition to a newly-created chairman role and Will Durden, one of the three founding directors of the company, will become managing director. The changes will be effective from 1 April 2024.
Roy McGowan said: “Since Will, David Hart and I founded Momentum in 2012 the company has grown in all areas: our team is now nearly 60-strong with offices in the UK and North America, and we work closely with our clients and industry partners – from architects, planners and property associations to developers and local authorities – on some of the world’s most exciting developments.
“Becoming chairman will allow me to take a broader, strategic view of our position and how we continue to create forward-looking solutions that address the needs of the future city, while tackling the climate challenge with progressive transport, movement and urban design.”
David Hart and Derek Griffiths will continue in their current director roles.
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 bespoke environmental impact assessment highlights the sustainability benefits brought to each project that the company works on. When a project has been granted planning permission, the assessment captures Momentum’s contribution to the sustainability of the scheme, looking at transport carbon emissions savings, public realm provision and delivery consolidation strategies. Potential CO2 savings are calculated by taking the proposed (and consented) mode share, and any delivery consolidation strategies, and comparing them to an industry standard baseline for the given land use type. Elements such as the number of trees planted, number of cycle parking spaces, public realm improvements and active travel proposals are also incorporated into the review.
In 2022/23 five schemes were considered in the assessment:
- Red Lion Court (London Borough of Southwark): contributing 167 new short-stay cycle parking spaces; 667 long-stay cycle parking spaces; 900 sqm of additional public realm; and 3 EV (electric vehicle) charging spaces.
- Chenies Street (London Borough of Camden): contributing 14 new short-stay cycle parking spaces and 141 long-stay cycle parking spaces.
- 21 Bloomsbury Street (London Borough of Camden): contributing 12 new short-stay cycle parking spaces and 122 long-stay cycle parking spaces.
- 7 Princes Street (City of London): contributing 29 new short-stay cycle parking spaces and 9 long-stay cycle parking spaces.
- 85 Gracechurch Street (City of London): contributing 114 new short-stay cycle parking spaces; 505 long-stay cycle parking spaces; and 114 sqm of additional public realm.
In 2022/23 schemes worked on by Momentum which have received planning permission contribute a potential daily saving of 3650 net tonnes of CO2e.
Kana Nomoto, senior consultant at Momentum who leads the annual transport summary, said: “As transport consultants we’re used to quantifying our work, looking at elements such as modal shift. But given the nature of development planning it can be hard to analyse the material impact. Our bespoke assessment tool allows us to quantify the theoretical CO2e savings that we expect to see coming through when the development is on the ground.
“This year it was particularly interesting to note that all the schemes we analysed have the potential to achieve carbon saving through modal shift. That’s driven by a greater shift towards active travel modes, namely walking and cycling, compared to the baseline, which significantly help to reduce potential carbon emissions. Additionally, four of the five projects we analysed have a consolidation strategy proposed as part of the planning application. So rather than looking purely at a visitor mode shift, we are also able to consider the potential amount of carbon emission savings through the reduction of vehicle delivery trips to the site. This has become increasingly at the forefront of both developers’ and local authorities’ minds within the past year or so.”
Roy McGowan, managing director at Momentum said: “The transport sector is the biggest contributor of carbon emissions in the UK, and globally transport accounts for approximately one quarter of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.
“At Momentum we recognise that the traditional “business as usual” approach to transport planning is inadequate in the context of the climate change emergency facing us. Transport as a sector has a huge impact on the general sustainability of cities and urban spaces so we’re passionate about creating healthier places for communities. We’re really proud to highlight the incredible potential savings which have been identified this year and look forward to seeing them come through as the developments are constructed and start to be used in the coming years.”
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.
Momentum was the winner of the CIHT ‘Employer of the Year’ 2022 award, the CIHT ‘Team of the Year’ 2023 award and is a signatory to the CIHT Diversity Charter.
Arber, who joined Momentum in September 2021, has worked on global engineering projects while attending college as part of his apprenticeship programme working towards a BTEC qualification.
Derek Griffiths, director at Momentum said: “We’re really proud of Arber’s achievement. It is thoroughly deserved with his hard work and the outstanding job he has done in being an ambassador for Momentum’s apprentice programme.”
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.
Derek Griffiths, director at Momentum said: “What it takes to be an exemplar workplace has changed. The pandemic changed the way many of us prefer to work and supporting people’s physical, emotional and financial wellbeing has risen up the agenda.
“Meanwhile the demands on the transport sector in the face of the climate challenge have never been greater. As an employer this means we have to think strategically about how we can improve our employees’ lives, both personally and professionally, and the societal change we can support in our work.
“We work hard to build on the reasons why our people choose Momentum as their employer,
and why clients choose us as their transport consultant. It’s fantastic to be recognised for that in this year’s NCE awards.”
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony taking place on 20 September 2023 in London.
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.
Momentum was the winner of the CIHT ‘Employer of the Year’ 2022 award, the CIHT ‘Team of the Year’ 2023 award and is a signatory to the CIHT Diversity Charter.
The ISO 19650-2:2018 standard relates to the organisation and digitisation of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including building information modelling (BIM).
Derek Griffiths, director at Momentum said: “Maintaining our BIM certification is a hugely impressive achievement that cements our proven ability to deliver compliant BIM projects and demonstrates our approach to continuous improvement.”
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.
Momentum was the winner of the CIHT ‘Employer of the Year’ 2022 award is a signatory to the CIHT Diversity Charter.
As the main HS2 terminus, Euston is being modernised to include the addition of ten new platforms, which will enable up to 18 trains an hour travelling north from London. Capacity at Euston will more than double, while freeing up space on the west coast mainline for more freight and local and long-distance services. The scheme also includes improvements to the urban realm and will integrate elements of the station with the surrounding communities.
As part of the project, Momentum is providing the following services:
- Detailed highway design: the services required – from inception to construction – to create, modify and regenerate public and private highway and urban realm infrastructure. This includes advising on phasing strategies and coordination with multiple design teams.
- Feasibility testing: assessing options to provide optimal arrangements during construction that are safe and efficient.
- Traffic management services: Liaising with local authorities and stakeholders to develop comprehensive and detailed traffic management plans. These plans facilitate strategic highway solutions to help reduce major disruptions in congested areas due to active construction sites, always addressing the necessary safety measures.
Derek Griffiths, director and engineering team lead at Momentum said: “The transformation of Euston is set to have many positive impacts, including the creation of new jobs and wider network improvements. We’re proud to be working with the Mace Dragados Joint Venture to help deliver this project.”
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.
Momentum was the winner of the CIHT ‘Employer of the Year’ 2022 award, CIHT ‘Team of the Year’ 2021 award and is a signatory to the CIHT Diversity Charter.
Derek Griffiths is promoted to director and John Mulhaire is promoted to associate director.
Derek Griffiths joined Momentum in January 2016. He is a chartered civil engineer with a background spanning engineering and planning disciplines, the design and delivery of urban streets, public realm, traffic and sustainable transport projects, through to major highway design and construction phasing and traffic management support
John Mulhaire joined Momentum in November 2019. He is a qualified civil, structural and environmental engineer and has worked in the traffic engineering and transport planning industry for 14 years. Having worked in Australia, the United Kingdom and Ireland, John has acquired a broad knowledge base in the traffic and transport industry and has undertaken numerous projects for both private developers and government agencies, across a range of industry sectors.
Other promotions include:
Katie Housego is promoted to business operations co-ordinator
Barnaby Hill is promoted to senior consultant
Alex Ross is promoted to consultant
Alice Duperrey is promoted to consultant
Katie Lewin is promoted to consultant
Marie Feuvrier is promoted to consultant
Priyanka Sonawane is promoted to engineer
Two promotions in Momentum’s Canada business, based in Montreal, were also announced:
Kevin Larrivée is promoted to consultant
Paula Atuesta is promoted to consultant
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.
Momentum was the winner of the CIHT ‘Team of the Year’ 2021 award, is shortlisted in the CIHT ‘Employer of the Year’ 2022 award and is a signatory to the CIHT Diversity Charter.