EcomobilEuropE, a one-man biking quest, is raising awareness about ecomobility solutions across the continent and encouraging actors to overcome common challenges.
Nicola da Schio is out on a mission to promote ecomobility across Europe. He recently devised an ingenious plan called EcomobilEuropE to travel across the continent by bike and train in order to document eco-habits to raise awareness on environmental, social and economic implications of eco-mobility.
Having worked with different international institutions and non-governmental organisations, da Schio is no stranger to the need for sustainability and environmental protection. 'During my career I have always been focusing on protection of the environment, as well as on sustainability of cities and urban governance' reveals the holder of a master's degree from France in urban governance. His travails have led him to Brazil, Ethiopia, Uganda and Zambia in the pursuit of improved sustainability on the planet.
Now, his chosen role as 'ecomobility messenger' is not only raising awareness on the topic but also inspiring key stakeholders in the sector by sharing successful experiences and ideas to overcome common mobility challenges. 'To reach these goals I am visiting different European cities and countries to interview eco-mobility experts, policymakers, cyclists and laypeople, listening to mobility and eco-mobility habits, challenges and opportunities' says da Schio. 'I am travelling 4 500 kilometres around Europe by bike and train to record, report and share what I see and what I hear through social media and online'.
Key to his success are his blog and micro-blog that are reporting the highlights of the tour, as well as posts on Facebook and Twitter, where all observations and discussions are being regularly recorded and reported. The enterprising researcher also plans to compile a report to increase the understanding and raise awareness on the topic. 'The initiative is open to all "eco-mobiles" who want to follow for few kilometres or on twitter, have a coffee or a drink, couch-surf, or enjoy some e-interaction' he says.
Da Schio is calling on hard-core eco-mobiles such as individuals and institutions whose work, study or life is particularly connected to eco-mobility issues to support EcomobilEuropE in one way or another. 'Professionals, researchers, cyclists, activists, policymakers, bike retailers, consultants, bike-sharing experts, bus drivers, or associations can endorse the initiative, give an interview, fund it and increase visibility' he says.
Of course the initiative is open to other eco-mobiles as well, i.e. those who are interested in eco-mobility and are curious to know and do more regarding the topic. 'Everybody is welcome to join the initiative by following me by bike or by train for a few kilometres, following my twitter and blog, sharing ideas, offering a meal or a couch, or raising awareness with friends and colleagues on eco-mobility.'
This noble endeavour is already taking da Schio and his followers – whether online or on the bike – to new ecomobility horizons in Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Europe can be the powerhouse of ecomobility ideas, and initiatives such as da Schio's will help document and consolidate the continent's efforts. These could eventually be adopted not only in Europe but in the rest of the world for a more sustainable future. CIVITAS is proud to contribute to raising awareness on da Schio's valiant efforts and on EcomobilEuropE.
