Adaptive & Inclusive Micromobility (AIM)

          'AIMing to bring accessibility inclusion in micromobility'.   

• What is Micromobility?
• Moveable Inclusive Cities & Communities (MICC)
• Who is Micromobility and AIM for?
• AIM's History
• AIM Committee Team
• Pictures of Adaptive Micromobility
• Contact and Support AIM
• Link to the AIM Phase 2 Survey

Micromobility is a broad term for transportation small and lightweight vehicles typically operating at speeds of 25km/hour or less. These devices are mostly used for personal use and include peddle bikes, motorized scooters, e-bicycles, and more. Micromobility offers an alternative to traditional transportation (cars, trains, buses) in cities, communities, and on public multi-use trails.

Interest is growing for micromobility, especially with bike-sharing programs popping in cities all over the world. These devices can help people get to work, enjoy outdoor activities, visit family and friends, go local shopping, visit libraries, and so much more.

When majority of people think of these micromobility devices, they think that a young physically abled population are the only people using them. The AIM project will be researching the interest and needs for people with disabilities and older adults in micro-mobility. Adaptive micromobility is devices that have been modified or created based on the needs of people with varying abilities and disabilities.

We know "walkable cities" and "the 15-minute city" are current and hot topics in cities around the world. At Access 2 Accessibility we believe in "Movable Inclusive Cities & Communities" (MICC) where people of all abilities and ages can freely move around their cities and communities with independence using the transportation device of their choice, on safe infrastructure.

We know "walkable cities" and "the 15-minute city" are current and hot topics in cities around the world. 

                                                                                                                                    Our organization is dedicated to empowering communities by providing resources, education, and support to those in need. We believe that everyone deserves access to a better life, and we work tirelessly to make that a reality. Through our programs and partnerships, we strive to create a more equitable and just society for all. Join us in our mission to make a difference!

Public Users

We are seeing various types of micromobility being used and for a variety of reasons.

• People are using them as an accessibility aid to get around by people of varying disabilities such as arthritis, asthma, COPD, and heart issues. 
• Seniors use devices to get around, or to further in their communities.
• Devices are being used as 1st/last mile travel.

Transportation Industry

Transportation companies are seeing people use micromobility as an extension, or connector, to their transportation system.

People will use a micromobility device to go to train stations, bus hubs, airports, etc.

Providing storage and charging hubs at major transportation businesses is becoming as common as providing car parking lots. 

Business Sector

Micromobility is a way for people to go to local businesses and services. Businesses should welcome and support micromobility users.

Micromobility parking spaces use up less space than car parking. 

Customers and clients will go to businesses that they can easily get to. 

Tourism

Cities and towns should embrace micromobility. For years we have been hearing about "the walkable city", "the 15-minute city", and reduction of car dependency.

Walking and biking tours are a part of many cities and towns tourism. But there are many people due to disability or age cannot part-take. Micromobility can provide inclusion for all.

When infrastructure and share ride includes micromobility then this can be a city or town of choice to visit or vacation in.

Thanks to the Port Credit Community Foundation's funding in 2023 Access 2 Accessibility launched its pilot research project Adaptive & Inclusive Micro-mobility (AIM) in Port Credit, Mississauga.

In January 2023 the 6-month pilot project began by developing a strong committee with Stakeholders and community members in the micromobility, cycling, and disability communities.  

Then we focused on public consultations and community presentations / awareness in both virtual and in-person forums. These were coupled with a survey to get a sense of people's understanding of micromobility and adaptive micromobility.  

We have completed Phase 1 and have learned that many people, who are not part of the micromobility or active transportation industry, do not really know the term "micromobility" and fewer knew what "adaptive micromobility" means.

Phase 2 will:

• Develop a greater awareness campaign.
• Expand the outreach geographical area.
• Engage with more public consultations.
• Deliver more presentations to community groups and organizations.
• Create a survey with more data collection to guide us to the future deliverables of the program based on people's needs.

Phase 2 public consultations will be published on our Events Page once they are available. Click here to learn about these and other Access 2 Accessibility events: 

Events Page.

As part of our advocacy and awareness campaigns we are engaging with the disability & senior communities; different level of Government, Active Transportation providers, and more, for Moveable Inclusive Cities & Communities (MICC). We will list below Letters of Support as we receive them:

• The Region of Peel has provided a Letter of Support for the Adaptive & Inclusive Micromobility Program in October 2023.

We would like to hear from you for any of the following:

• If you are a person with an interest in Micromobility accessibility inclusion and would like to be considered to be on the AIM Committee as a Stakeholder or Citizen Member.
• To volunteer on the project.
• To book us to do a presentation at your organization.
• Send comments or questions regarding this project.

Please contact us by email at:  AIM@Access2Accessibility.com 

To learn more about the Port Credit Community Foundation please click on the link below:

Port Credit Community Foundation

 As with any project its success comes from the team leading the project. Adaptive & Inclusive Micromobility program has a knowledgeable and experienced team. 

We welcome more Citizen members and Stakeholders, who do not have a conflict of interest (i.e., own or work for private for-profit organizations), to join our committee or come volunteer with us. 

Email us at:  AIM@Access2Accessibility.com

 Committee Members

Stakeholders

• Catherine Holland, Mississauga Sports Council

Home Sports Mississauga 

• Dorothy Tomiuk, Mississauga Cycling Now!         

MCN! Home Page (misscyclingnow.ca)

• Matthew Sweet, Manager, Active Transportation, City of Mississauga. 

 Introduction to Shared Micro-Mobility Systems | City of Mississauga 

Transportation and streets – City of Mississauga 

• Mattea Turco, Transportation Planner, City of Mississauga

Citizen Member

• Susan Stewart

Access 2 Accessibility Members

• Carol-Ann Chafe, Founder & Chair.
• Mary Daniel, Business Development & Community Engagement.