Micromobility Junction

The number of accidents and injuries due to the boom of e-scooters and e-bikes, which can be compared to motorcycle accidents, is increasing dramatically. 50% of injured or dead e-scooter drivers are not wearing a helmet, while excessive speed is the most frequent cause for these accidents. Triglav, the leading insurance company in the region in the field of mobility-related insurances, wished to develop an attractive programme that would promote the reinforcement of skills for a safe cohabitation in common traffic areas through experience/participation. Thus, the Micro-mobility Junction was born in cooperation with Promotiva, a company dedicated to the organisation of complex and innovative event-related solutions. This is the first meeting-place (and not a training range) where users of various speeds and ages and with different limitations can meet to reinforce their traffic cohabitation skills. During the event, participants of different generations can test various means of micro-mobility, including the ones used by disabled people in traffic, which helps them to develop empathy for other users of traffic surfaces. The event is organised in different towns, local communities, and schools.

Planning phase Challenge: How to recreate a realistic mobile town centre which serves as the main environment for the event. Since we tried to create an urban feeling, we were looking for ways and materials to set up our micro-junction and also demarcate it. In this regard, we were met with numerous technical challenges related to materials, which had to be both extremely durable and safe (slip-resistant), and their setup. Solution: Through test set-ups and trial runs, we determined the optimal size of the surfaces for a safe drive which also enabled intensive meeting spots (the “red dot” of the meeting spot was the centre of the junction). The slip-resistant material for the red dot was made of recycled rubber from defunct sneakers. Safety- and logistics-related challenges: How to determine the maximum number of people who can safely meet on the same surface using different means of transport that they have perhaps never driven before. How to prepare a suitable, animated, modern and attractive driving range and provide the right amount of helmets of right sizes, as well as other protective means. Solution: Setting up a warm-up portion of the junction where people can learn how to use their new means of transport. Assistance for this part of the project was provided by traffic expert Andrej Brglez and by traffic safety teachers from the Šenčur Elementary School. Implementation phase: Challenge of measurements: Since this was a dynamic and non-structured drive, we developed a special method of observation, recording of behaviours and interactions, and results analysis. Solution: We invited colleagues who are well-versed in recording results during sporting events to participate in the project. We first developed analogue methods of observing and recording the events, and then used these analogue data to develop digital forms which simplified the monitoring process. All drivers’ helmets were marked by numbers which simplified our work and reduced the possibility of errors. Challenge: Intergenerational cooperation is one of the most important emphases of the Micro-mobility Junction. However, older people less often decide to participate in such projects or try out means of e-mobility since they are often scared or prejudiced against that. Solution: We reinforced our team of highly professional, emphatic colleagues who took more time for our senior participants to explain all dilemmas, assuage their fears, and help them handle their first moments using these vehicles.