2.4 The change in stages - how to make it?

The concepts explained in chapter 2.3 can start being realized as following. The three first concepts can be “plant” in Texel society in the short term.
• “Concept 1: Make cycling part of the everyday life”
• “Concept 2: increase Collective Transport and introduce new concepts for it.”
• “Concept 3: Create Incentives to motivate people.”

A way start with could be to make the people more aware of the environmental impact that the current mobility system has on Texel environment and on their well-being and also the benefits that could be gained via integrating cycling in their daily life.

For example events and lectures on sustainable mobility could be some starting points for enhancing people to contribute in this change. After some months, the people will be more informed and aware so bigger steps can be taken. The concept of incentives can be conducted also in the start. The positive changes in people’s behaviour can be monitored and published in local media, as a sign of thankfulness for their contribution.

In parallel with these actions, the development of the current infrastructure can be discussed and proceed with Texel municipality.

Some points for discussion are:
• Evaluation of the existing infrastructure for bicycles concerning safety and comfort aspects.
• Initiatives for improvement of the existing infrastructure.
• Creating positive impact on the economy on Texel via this change, while making the use of bicycle a costly efficiently solution for all the different users.
• Rethinking over the parking lots. How it is possible to decrease the impact of the parking lots on the natural environment.

The local market can also shift its interest via renting and selling products that are essential for comfort in cycling.

The 4th concept (“Developing the “Real-time transport” system”) can start being developed when the first three will already be organized quite well. The potential for it is to function as an optimization of the mobility system, with the aim of saving time and increasing comfort.

Besides these concepts, there is a lot changing in the world of mobility. For example electric cars are becoming more feasible and self-controlled cars are also not inconceivable. The mobility is continuously growing, but the tightening CO2 regulations are forcing the mobility industry to change. There are already differences in using cars. Car sharing is for example a growing trend and the integration of media is becoming more common. People want to be connected today more than ever before. Requirements on mobility for the future are being connected and offering flexibility via car sharing (McKinsey, 2012). These two requirements are also included in the concepts explained in paragraph 2.3.

So when we think about the changes in the longer period, there will be new types of vehicles on Texel. For example the Vrachtfiets explained in the first chapter or more electrical vehicles. The Texelhopper, the ‘on demand’ bus company on Texel, will be more available. The quality of the bike roads on Texel will be improved. The connection between the villages will be stronger, better quality roads and maybe even a solar powered bike path?

Thinking in the long term, the future of mobility in the economically healthy parts of the world appears to be bright. Automations will be being more and more integrated in mobility till the ultimate level of automation, where the commuter will be being transported by a fully automated vehicle.
The goal is to try to reach these changes by causing the less possible harm on the environment, keeping at the same time people satisfied, active and healthy. For this purpose our perception is to think big and create concepts driven by sustainable ideas and act small (as described previously), so that day by day Texel will be getting closer to the desirable results.