Soft mobility at the heart of an Algeco innovation
Imagine intelligent services that come to the users rather than the other way around. This is the principle guiding the Pick & Go Modular Bike Station project, invented by Charles Saade and launched by Algeco France. Supported by Celize, this modular innovation has also gained the trust of the Lyon Metropolis and the companies Dehors, SAPLI, and SITI Europe.
The module, a tool for our contemporary societies
Facing ever-increasing car traffic, urban areas are increasingly confronted with issues like traffic jams, noise and smell nuisances, air pollution, etc. These societal and environmental challenges push cities to rethink their approaches to mobility.
A key partner in urban planning and a specialist in modular construction, Algeco France integrates this eco-responsible dimension into the buildings it designs. Thus, wood and glass are frequently favored materials. Landscape integration is systematically sought, as well as energy savings. And all the modules manufactured are recyclable. In this logic, and because Algeco France teams always demonstrate more inventiveness and ingenuity, the Pick & Go concept has now been born.
Algeco – Dominique Eskenazi – Photographer
A prototype dedicated to soft mobility
The observation is undeniable: over 60% of trips made by the French by car are for distances of less than 5 km. Yet, nearly a third of our fellow citizens say they are ready to use a bicycle for their daily journeys in the next two years. So, what are the obstacles that slow down this apparent enthusiasm?
This is the question that interior architect and designer Charles Saade explored as part of the 2018 edition of the Elementary Architecture(s) competition organized by Algeco France. His reflection led to the idea of a modular station capable of addressing the lack of specific infrastructure related to soft mobility. How can one simultaneously find on their route a secure garage, inflation equipment, a repair workshop, electric charging stations, locker rooms, and restrooms? Thanks to the Pick & Go module and its optimal territorial network, this will soon be possible.
A first prototype was installed from May 27 to June 21, 2021, on Renée Richard Square in the heart of the Part Dieu district in Lyon. The Dehors Sports Concierge offers a space for selling spare parts (safety elements, lighting…), on-the-spot repairs without an appointment, emergency assistance for tires, braking, and electrical issues.
Algeco – Dominique Eskenazi – Photographer
Beyond its practical and operational role, this Modular Bike Station pursues a dual incentive objective: in terms of environmental respect and sports practice. While facilitating access to soft mobility, it can also be the starting point for outdoor sessions and even become a functional base camp for coaches.
The urban universe thus evolves and transforms into an open-air sports and relaxation space. The city therefore reveals itself differently. For a long time, Celize has incorporated this concrete sustainable development desire into its urban dressing services. The communication and display devices it implements reflect this concern for the environment and well-being. Celize tries to give the city a softer, more serene image.
Our company has thus fully embraced the values promoted by Algeco France through its modular Pick & Go innovation. Celize has been involved in this adventure by bringing its expertise in signage to this module. Both aesthetic and educational, the result allows easy identification of the nature and interest of the structure. The readability of the information is optimal.
Learn more about Algeco module dressing
Celize and its collaborators are proud to participate in this experience through their skills in urban and modular dressing. Hoping that for the city dwellers and their environment, this is just the beginning of a long series.
Want to know more about urban display solutions and discuss your project?