#Japan #Shibuya #Luup #Safe Ride

Introduction

The Shibuya Safe Ride Project was launched on December 9, 2023, by Shibuya Future Design, an organization based in Shibuya, Tokyo, and Luup, a company involved in transport solutions. The initiative aligns with Shibuya's goal of becoming a safe and mature international city, focusing on the harmonization of urban space shared by people and vehicles.

Project Overview

The Shibuya Safe Ride Project is a unique collaboration between Luup and Shibuya Future Design, spearheading efforts to improve safety and mobility within the area. This project will incorporate various partners, including Tokyu Corporation, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance, and FamilyMart, joining as supporting businesses to foster a secure, comfortable moving environment.

Background

Shibuya faces several transport challenges despite its well-established public transport system. The area has significant slopes, varying elevations, and concentrated pedestrian traffic around stations, which often complicates the mobility of both residents and visitors. Without effective last-mile solutions, these challenges pose a barrier not only to convenience for Shibuya’s residents but also to tourism, safety, and disaster preparedness in the area. Improving urban mobility and safety for all citizens has become a pressing issue for Shibuya’s future—a goal that can only be achieved through public-private partnerships.

Goals of the Shibuya Safe Ride Project

The project aims to enhance urban mobility through two main pillars:
1. Establish safe transportation environments.
2. Provide safe mobility solutions to address transportation challenges, promoting a coexistence model for people and vehicles.

The initiative seeks to create a community where safety, transport support, and coexistence thrive through collaborative efforts between the government and private sectors. By leveraging Luup’s mobility technology alongside Shibuya Future Design's local expertise, the project aims to improve the safety and convenience of mobility in Shibuya while evaluating the effects for future developments.

Upcoming Actions

The inaugural efforts of the Shibuya Safe Ride Project will begin with measures set for the upcoming New Year's holiday season, focusing on creating a safe traffic environment and eliminating drunk driving hazards.

Efforts Against Drunk Driving

• - Alcohol Testing at LUUP Ports: Luup will implement alcohol testing at multiple ports throughout Shibuya, ensuring that riders cannot begin their journeys if alcohol is detected. This initiative will mark the world's first mobility-sharing operator to incorporate pre-ride alcohol testing for general users.

Implementation Period: December.

• - Awareness Campaigns: The LUUP app will feature a reaction test for users starting rides in Shibuya's busy areas to promote awareness around drunk driving. The results will allow users to assess their conditions, solidifying their commitment to not riding under the influence.

Implementation Period: Mid-December.

• - Advertising Campaigns: Utilizing advertising spaces in Shibuya, the project will launch campaigns to promote safe transportation. These efforts will spread awareness both on the streets and through digital channels operated by Luup and Shibuya Future Design.

Campaign Period: December 9 to December 15, featuring locations like Starts Vision and Shueisha Vision.

• - Safety Training Workshops: Regular workshops will be conducted to teach traffic rules for small vehicles and bicycles, providing hands-on experience for participants.

Helmet Awareness

• - Helmet Rentals: The project will also initiate a rental program for helmets at various LUUP ports, encouraging safe riding habits.

Rental Period: December 12, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, and December 15, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Locations include Shibuya Mark City and Coin Park Kamiyama-cho 5.

Stakeholder Comments

Project leaders, including Shinko Nagata, Executive Director of Shibuya Future Design, and Daisuke Okai, CEO of Luup, emphasize the project's holistic approach to transportation as a vital contributor to Shibuya's future. They stress the importance of integrating community feedback and leveraging technology to craft a new standard for safety and enjoyment in urban mobility.

Call for Project Partners

The Shibuya Safe Ride Project is currently seeking cooperation from businesses, universities, and organizations willing to contribute to this endeavor to build safer and more accessible city mobility solutions.
For more information, visit Luup's website.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with the Shibuya Safe Ride Project, the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders will pave the way for a new era of urban mobility characterized by enhanced safety, accessibility, and a flourishing coexistence between urban dwellers and their transportation methods.