Munich offers multi-modal training for senior citizens
 Munich
offers a good public transport system, approximately 2,000 kilometres of bicycle
paths and pleasant surroundings for pedestrians. Nevertheless, many older
citizens prefer to travel by car instead of using more sustainable transport
modes. The main obstacles to taking public transport are fear of falling or
injury taking public transport, confusion amidst traffic while cycling, or
inability to estimate walking distances to fulfill daily needs.
Within the AENEAS project, Munich-based environmental organisation Green City,
together with different stakeholders (e.g. the police or public transport
provider), offers different training programmes for seniors to make them feel
safer and more encouraged to use alternatives to car transport.
There are four training programmes:
● Travel information, electronic devices and energy-efficient transport
● Walking training
● Cycling training
● Public transport training
Travel information, electronic devices and energy-efficient transport
The specific objectives of this programme is to enable seniors to use
internet travel information, mobile phones, ticketing machines, smart card
systems and other electronic devices related to energy-efficient travel in their
daily life. The trainings, in cooperation with mediencenter50plus, are held in
small groups of around 10 people, which enables every participant to use their
own computer during the course. Over the course of five lessons, participants
learn how to handle and operate new devices by themselves. Course completion
gives these people greater possibility to use more energy-efficient mobility in
their daily life. After one year of trainings, course evaluations show that
participants have, indeed, changed their transport behaviour and enjoy the new
choices open to them. Three more courses will be offered in 2010.
Walking training
The aim of this course is to explore neighbourhoods in terms of mobility and
accessibility for seniors. Participants learn more about traffic safety and the
health and social benefits of walking. Together with local police, the
municipality and senior interest groups, older citizens identify problem areas
and communicate the information to local politicians. These courses are held at
the Senior Citizens Service Centre. Three more courses are planned for 2010.
Cycling training
Presented in front of Munich’s Mobility Museum, this course is well-situated
from a traffic perspective. The course offers senior citizens and other
interested persons the chance to try out different bicycles built to accommodate
various physical limitations – tricycles, easy-mount bicycles, electro-assisted
bicycles, etc. Participants are coached by Green City staff and a physical
therapist. Offered on six different dates, over 600 people attended this course.
The 2010 course, offered at Senior Citizens Service Centres, will be more
intensive and work with smaller groups Police officers will also be on hand to
provide road safety instruction.
Training for public transport
Green City, together with local transport authority MVG, is now applying the
finishing touches to this training concept. This training involves intensive
cooperation with other projects, such as Salzburg, Austria’s passenger training
programme. The aim of this training is to encourage older passengers to use
public transport in a more effective and comfortable way, to reduce fears and to
raise awareness amongst older and younger passengers and drivers. The courses
will take place in 2010.
Author: Andreas Schuster |
