Modalities - Mobility cultures in motion
Conference of the Ostfalia Endowed Professorship for Cycling Management
September 4, 2025 | Haus der Wissenschaft, Braunschweig
The mobility transition is tied to a far-reaching cultural change in politics, planning, and society: Established ideas and practices must transform so that sustainable mobility becomes a lived norm. In particular, cycling has gained momentum in recent years: The bicycle is increasingly becoming part of societal mobility cultures and is thus becoming a natural means of transportation for more and more people. A cultural change can also be seen in transport planning, with new services being created and standards being set. But this progress is not a sure-fire success. A diverse and sustainable mobility culture requires conditions that invite people to engage in sustainable mobility and that change social habits and convictions. This rethinking and reshaping is also becoming increasingly urgent in view of the multiple crises. Political framework conditions and social moods are changing and inertia tendencies are clearly emerging. Climate protection and the value of liveable spaces are increasingly being overlooked. In addition, many groups are forgotten or not addressed.
How can we establish a mobility culture in which everyone's needs are taken into account and sustainable options become the means of choice? The conference “ Modalities - Mobility Cultures in motion” examines the key levers in politics, planning, society and infrastructure design that can be used to bring about this cultural change. Prof. Dr. Jana Kühl and her team from the Ostfalia Endowed Chair of Cycling Management cordially invite you to the Haus der Wissenschaft in Braunschweig on September 4, 2025. We would like to look at cycling and the mobility cultures of the future from a scientific perspective. Together with the seven BMDV endowed professorships and inspiring experts, we would like to look ahead, share knowledge, tackle challenges and sharpen solutions. The event is free of charge and is aimed at all those interested in mobility from science, politics, practice and civil society.
You can expect:
- Presentations by academic experts researching mobility cultures from the perspectives of politics, society, media and infrastructures,
- Interactive sessions and the opportunity to contribute your own perspectives,
- Opportunity for inspiring exchange and networking.
During an open space format, there will be the opportunity to present or discuss your own
topics related to mobility cultures. In three rounds of 15 minutes each, you will have the
opportunity to discuss your topic with other participants. We look forward to receiving topic
submissions
(approx. 300 words) by May 2, 2025 to
modalitaeten-k@ostfalia.de. The format is open and
can, for example, be designed for poster presentations, short workshops or as an open discussion
round.
We look forward to your registration.
Kind regards
The Ostfalia cycling management team
Draft program
|
Welcome! Reshaping mobility cultures – Potentials and levers of change
Prof. Dr. Jana Kühl | Professor of Cycling Management, Ostfalia University of Applied Science |
| Moderated discussion: From car to cycling culture? |
|
Key-note speech (in English)
Prof. Dr. Meredith Glaser | CEO Urban Cycling Institute, Amsterdam |
|
Coffee and tea break
|
|
Parallel Sessions 1
1 Political Cultures: Approaches to Overcoming Autocentrism 2 Changing Perspectives: Overlooked Groups and Active Mobility (English) 3 Mobility by Design: The Power of Infrastructures |
| Coffee and tea break |
|
Parallel Sessions 2
1 Planning Cultures: Alliances for Active Mobility 2 Change through Communication: A Media Culture in Favor of Bicycles 3 Mobility management (in English) |
|
Lunch break
|
| Highlights from the sessions |
|
Open Spaces - Workshops
1 Politics and governance 2 Social and media perspectives 3 Infrastructures and mobility design |
| Coffee and tea break |
|
Closing dialog: Hope for change?
Professors of Cycling & students |
| Optional: City tour in Braunschweig |