Senior Citizen Mobility Training in Munich

As part of the senior citizen mobility training series, which comprises walking, cycling and the use of public transport, the first two cycling courses were held in Munich on April 19 and May 24, 2009. Various special bicycles, such as pedelecs, tricycles and all-ability cycles, were described to participants and introduced as elements of city mobility. All the bicycles could be tried out on site. The positive health aspects of cycling were also stressed. Some participants had not ridden for several years and had big reservations about getting on a bicycle again. With the help of staff from the NGO Green City and the Ergo-Velo Dreiradzentrum München, participants were encouraged to take this initial step. Over 300 people turned up for the open course and many of them tried out the bicycles and requested further information on cycling-related topics.

In another element of the Munich training series, elderly people were introduced to the use of modern communications media for planning both longer journeys and daily mobility needs. These special training courses, designed specifically for senior citizens, were held in April and May and were attended by around 50 people. Participants learnt about the advantages of sustainable mobility, including shorter travel times and lower travelling costs than expected. Participants were also introduced to the concept of hiring public bikes by telephone.

As yet, there are no real evaluation results, although it was evident that pricing policy, for the use of public transport, for example, is an important indicator in the use of sustainable mobility offers. Another important element that can lead to senior citizens reducing, or even abandoning, certain sustainable mobility activities such as cycling, is the inconsiderate behaviour of other traffic participants.

Further cycling courses will be held throughout the summer, and the next internet courses will be held in the autumn. Courses on walking and using public transport systems should start at the end of 2009.

For more details also visit the training website (in German)