Inca will once again be the leading reference for sustainable mobility on the island. For the sixth consecutive year, it is taking the lead in organising the Eco Rallye Mallorca – Inca Ciutat, a high-level sporting event that brings together a passion for motoring with a new way of understanding the relationship between vehicles, roads and landscapes. The mayor, Virgilio Moreno, is firmly convinced of the importance of the event, both as a sporting occasion, held on 20 and 21 March, and for its value in conveying the principles of a form of mobility that the town strongly champions.
—What does it mean for Inca to reach this sixth edition of the Eco Rallye?
—It is a city promotion project that is more than well established, based on a concept of sustainability that throughout all these years of governance we have been developing and will of course continue to develop.
—Beyond the days of the rally itself, how can this commitment to sustainable mobility be seen?
—In many ways. For example, we will soon become the first municipality in the Balearic Islands to have our own network of charging points for electric vehicles. We will have more medium and fast charging connections than any other town. There will be nearly 50 points, a major commitment to electric mobility. The fact that they are fast-charging points will make the network far more dynamic, increasing its capacity. All maintenance and management will be handled by a private company that will guarantee the quality of the service. We are also located in the centre of the island, very well connected, and all users passing through will be able to use the network, while also having the opportunity to discover Inca and enjoy our products and services. It will also be a tourist attraction.
—What is the current state of electric mobility in the municipality?
—According to our data, the number of electric and hybrid cars continues to grow. We have very strong incentives and tax reductions for those who choose to stop emitting CO₂ into the atmosphere. We also want it to be accessible to all residents of Inca. Everyone, regardless of the type of neighbourhood they live in, should have the greatest possible ease in using the vehicle they choose. We will have our own app, but the system will be open to any user. We are also exploring ways for companies and individuals in Inca to benefit from certain advantages when using it.
—Is Inca continuing to progress with its “10-minute city” project?
—It is a project that is gaining increasing acceptance. We have a very compact urban area, which means that any point can be reached within those 10 minutes on foot. We are developing a large network of park-and-ride car parks around the city centre, which will continue to grow and reduce the perception that Inca is a city where it is difficult to park. Across all types of parking areas, we currently have 38, with nearly 1,800 spaces, and this number will continue to rise without setting a maximum limit. Whenever the opportunity arises to create a suitable space, we will do so. The priority is to create these areas near public services, although in some parts of the old town this is difficult due to the city’s layout. The aim is to encourage walking, as the city makes this possible. At the same time, we do not rule out creating some form of alternative sustainable transport, such as a public electric bicycle service. Inca’s characteristics make it an excellent testing ground for the sustainable mobility of the future. We receive many proposals to launch pilot schemes and are open to implementing systems provided they are viable for residents. We are also continuing to expand the cycle lane network and will introduce initiatives to promote cycling, such as linking public infrastructure and creating routes to other towns. Inca is not isolated from its surrounding area and must also consider other municipalities that, for example, do not have access to the train or sufficient bus services.
—What does the Eco Rallye bring to Inca?
—Firstly, visibility from a different perspective to what the city has had until now—namely electric mobility and sustainability. It also brings important cross-cutting benefits, such as promoting the city and supporting local commerce, but it is essential that all those who come here convey the message of a sustainable and welcoming city. Having a wide range of parallel activities, such as Energy, also highlights the importance of education in ensuring that the message of sustainability reaches people’s homes.