Twenty-six Antwerp action groups have joined forces and launched an election memorandum on Friday about mobility in the province of Antwerp. The memorandum calls for a “catch-up” effort, including “substantial investments” in public transport and pedestrian and cycling facilities.

According to the activists, the promised “modal shift” to at least 50% of journeys that must be made sustainably by 2030 will not be realized. On the contrary, they see a decrease in public transport while car traffic grows to more than 61 million Flemish car kilometers per year.

‘Modal shift is crucial’

The action groups point to the impact of motorized traffic on climate and public health. “A modal shift is crucial for the quality of life in the region.”

The Modal Shift Coalition, as the united activists call themselves, plead for fully fledged public transport, alternatives to motorized traffic – also for freight transport and shipping – and proximity. By uniting, they hope to make more progress in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

With the term proximity they refer to spatial planning that focuses on densification, softening, and providing all essential facilities and public transport close to home.

Among the action groups are Ademloos (‘Breathless’), Bond Beter Leefmilieu (Association for a Better Environment), Fietsersbond (Cyclists’ Union), and numerous others.