Why Invest in Shared Micromobility

In September 2020, we announced the first State of the Industry Report for North America. The report compiles vital statistics for 2019 into a comprehensive report that will serve as a benchmark for success. The report demonstrates how shared micromobility has grown from a handful of systems into a worldwide industry improving local environments, community health, and transportation equity.

For shared micromobility to continue to grow sustainably and provide its essential service, the industry will need governments to invest in the industry. Our Why Invest in Shared Micromobility one-pager is a document that advocates can share with policy-makers, making it easier to explain the need for increased financial support and what funding is available.

U.S. cities have access to funding through programs, like the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program, and grants that they may not be aware of. Legislation like the pending surface transportation reauthorization bill has the potential to provide even more opportunities. These funding streams can help support cities that wish to start or continue a shared micromobility system. It’s up to us, shared micromobility professionals and stakeholders, to help educate policy-makers and show them ways to bring in additional funding to support shared micromobility in their communities, which ultimately helps them achieve their reduced congestion, lowered emissions, and other sustainability goals.

Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, recently announced that she would develop a national active transportation strategy that would prioritize biking, walking, and active school travel. Additionally, Canada has two new funding opportunities for which shared micromobility initiatives and supporting infrastructure projects may be eligible:

• Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI)
• Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program: COVID-19 Resilience

Learn more about these two funding opportunities here.

The pandemic has forced cities to rethink the way residents get around and shared micromobility has stepped up as a viable solution. As we continue to navigate COVID-19 and begin to plan for life after, shared micromobility can help rectify issues like transit deserts that were highlighted by the pandemic. Now is a great time to act to let policy-makers know about potential funding sources for shared micromobility as they reassess for life after COVID-19 and plan for the future. NABSA continues to engage with policy-makers regarding legislation that can impact the shared micromobility industry. We are always looking for ways to have transportation-related policies expanded to include shared micromobility. Learn more about our advocacy efforts at nabsa.net/advocacy.