Mobility

In France, the car is still the leading mode of transport for daily journeys, with 86 % of regular users. However, they consider its cost to be significant and believe that it should be reduce its use to combat global warming (Ipsos, 2024).

The use of private cars (self-drive) is the majority for journeys of less than 50 kmThis has a significant impact on the climate through greenhouse gas emissions. On average, these emissions are twice that of a bus, three times that of a scooter, twenty times that of an electrically assisted bicycle and fifty-five times that of a tram..

At university level, the student and staff commutingas well as business travelare taken into account in the carbon footprint. The daily mobility are particularly considered because of their environmental impact, representing approximately 50 % of carbon footprint of the university.

What are the solutions? Towards gentler, more active forms of mobility

On a regional scale, developing mobility is a complex challenge that requires a combination of actions at different levels:

  • Developing the offering alternative transport
  • Improving conditions and infrastructure
  • Changes in individual behaviour to rethink the way we travel

Reducing the environmental impact of mobility

The soft mobility include alternatives to the private car emissions that reduce CO₂ emissions. This term includes:

  • The active mobilitynon-motorised and based on human energy (walking, cycling, scootering...)
  • The alternatives to the private carincluding low-carbon or carbon-free transport (bus, tram, car-sharing, electric vehicles...)

The university's actions are integrated into the SDDD sheet - Action 2.5.4 : Encouraging sustainable mobility.

Taking action at Avignon University: necessary progress

The energy transition law for green growth (17 august 2015) and the Mobility Orientation Act (24 December 2019) insist on optimising travel in order to :

  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants
  • Reduce congestion on transport infrastructures

With that in mind, a shift towards more gentle and active forms of transport is essential to limit environmental impact.

The actions carried out by Avignon Université are part of in a collaborative approach with the city of Avignon and Greater Avignon. They are based on several levers:

  • Awareness-raising and training
  • Ease of use (setting up suitable infrastructures)
  • Financial incentives (aid for the purchase or repair of bicycles)
  • Mobilisation of human and financial resources

Initiatives undertaken at Avignon University

The actions implemented by the partners include :

✅ Improving and developing the network of cycle paths

✅ Financing carpooling (partnership with Blablacar Daily)

✅ Creation of an intermodal hub at the Avignon bus station

✅ Development of the Vélopop electric-assist network

✅ Increase in the number of Chron'hop routes (hybrid buses)

🔜 Roll-out of the Cycle Express Network (REV)an extensive network of cycle paths

Resources and useful links

🔗 Sustainable mobility in Greater Avignon
www.grandavignon.fr/mobilites-douces

🔗 All by bike" dossier - Bonus for buying or repairing a new or used bike
www.avignon.fr/tous-a-velo

🔗 Grand Avignon Mag #58 : Building a real cycling culture
www.grandavignon.fr/mag_58

🔗 Leave, Pedal, Park" folder - Operation of secure bike parks
www.avignon.fr/circulation-stationnement

🔗 Calculate the carbon emissions of your journeys
impactco2.fr/tools/transport
base-empreinte.ademe.fr

🔗 Testimonials: 8 people talk about their change of mobility
www.ademe.fr/mobilite-durable

Mis à jour le 11 March 2025