The French local authorities have recognised CERN’s ecomobility actions by awarding it the “establishments committed to soft mobility” prize, following the regional “Mobility Challenge” that was taken up by the CERN community in September 2021. The Ain Energy and Climate Agency (Agence de l’énergie et du climat de l’Ain – ALEC 01) singled out CERN as one of the department’s employers that are successfully investing in alternatives to the private car.

Gilles Bollinger (SCE-SCC-CS), a member of CERN’s Soft Mobility Working Group, accepted the prize on the Organization’s behalf at a ceremony held in Miribel near Lyon on 30 November. During the ceremony, Gilles had the opportunity to present CERN’s “soft mobility” strategy, which is geared towards increasing the facilities available to cyclists (cycle paths, bicycle stands, bicycle maintenance equipment) and renting out bicycles and electric bicycles through the Mobility Service. He also underlined CERN’s commitment to initiatives like the annual “Bike2Work” campaign and the Mobility Challenge.

The strategy is bearing fruit. In 2018, 32% of the CERN community commuted to work by bicycle, on foot or using public transport. This figure, which is above the average for conurbations, earned CERN the title of “soft-mobility accelerator” from the organisers of the prize.