Mendrisio MobiliTI is an annual meeting which takes place this year for the seventh time. The conference aims at updating on worldwide advancements in terms of sustainable mobility, by presenting the experiences of concrete examples of successful measures. The conference always discusses the topic of sustainable mobility, but focussing every year on a different specific aspect of the theme. In the past editions we discussed about education, tourism, companies and urban mobility. Last year we decided to focus not on a specific aspect, but on a specific transport mode, that is public transportation. Similarly, in 2009 we focus on bicycle and pedestrian mobility.  

Bicycle and pedestrian mobility is the simplest, and the most ecological not having any engine, way of moving. The majority of the single daily travels in Switzerland are shorter than 5 km, and therefore they could perfectly be done by bike or walking, especially when moving within the same town. Bicycle and pedestrian mobility can also be very well integrated with public transports, making it perfect for urban travels. Nevertheless, our society is much more car-oriented than choosing cycling or walking.     

In Ticino, and above all in the Mendrisio region, bikes are often used, but for sport. 2009 especially the attention over this transportation means is high, because Mendrisio will host in September the World road cycling championship. Mendrisio MobiliTI proposes rather to aim at bicycle and pedestrian mobility not only as a sport, but also as a out-and-out tran-sport.

Attending Mendrisio MobiliTI on May 8 2009 offers the possibility to get acquainted with interesting experiences and proposals for making bicycle and pedestrian mobility even more attractive, effective and integrated into a more general sustainable mobility concept. It is an opportunity addressed to operators and experts in the mobility and transport field, to representatives of the public administration and also to all interested people. At the conference they can gather hints to be implemented in their own situation, having also the possibility to exchange ideas with other participants and with the international experts. I’m particularly honored to announce you the presence of the Director of the European Greenways Association (EGWA), Ms. Mercedes Muñoz, who, together with about ten other speakers from the United States and all over Europe they will discuss the topic. The conference is kindly supported by several sponsors, whom I warmly thank, in particular from the Health and Environment Operations Group of Canton Ticino, and is patronized by the Department of Territory of Canton Ticino, Regio Insubrica, the Group for Traffic Calming (GMT) and from the Italian Federation of Urban Cyclists and Bicycle Tourism (FIAB).

Mendrisio for many years has been attentive to the topic of sustainable mobility and energy efficiency. In the last years the Municipality charged infovel to develop and introduce a system of promotion of pedestrian mobility (called “Mendrisio in step with times”), based on a specific road signs, that stir to walk within the town. Recently it also allocated a credit to arrange the bicycle paths that are particularly interesting to move within the new enlarged territory of the town. Mendrisio MobiliTI, thanks to the important speakers and to the involvement of the participants, is a relevant meeting not to be missed. The Municipality of Mendrisio is honored to welcome you in order to discuss together in a constructive manner about mobility.

Carlo Croci
President AssoVEL2