La Transporterie: a small factory for sustainable mobility and solidarity

Étienne Leclerc, class of 2011, left ESTACA with one idea in mind: to show that transport and energy efficiency were compatible. He started with his first jobs in innovative vehicles (as a consultant for the Renault Z.E. or as head of the electric powertrain for an urban delivery vehicle). He then spent almost 10 years in a mobility consultancy, where he mainly helped transport companies reduce their fuel costs and CO2 emissions.

During this period, it became clear that reductions are limited when carried out by a single structure. Yet it is often difficult to bring together players with different visions, challenges and budgets to optimize transport.

That's the challenge facing La Transporterie, the association he founded in August 2023, with a simple vision: to make everyday, local, low-carbon mobility accessible to all.

Étienne lives in the countryside, in the Monts du Beaujolais, and realizes that the stakes are high: 80% of journeys in the region are made by car, and most of the time drivers are alone in their vehicles. In a region where people's transport budget can be higher than their rent, there's something to be done. And a number of levers will help.

First and foremost, awareness-raising: "self-driving" is not inevitable in the countryside, and many solutions are possible. Workshops and training courses, both fun and practical, are available for all audiences: individuals, associations, companies and local authorities. Mobility workshops, bike self-repair, eco-driving training, vehicle fleet optimization... There's something for everyone, and every need.

Secondly, La Transporterie proposes solutions that are sustainable and supportive. And these solutions mainly consist in bringing together the needs and solutions already existing in the area. Looking for a way to get to work? La Transporterie's members are probably already making the journey! An association needs trucks for a weekend event? A member company can rent out its service vehicles when it's not using them! Are parents concerned about the safety of the area around their school because of the large number of vehicles? La Transporterie puts volunteers in touch with the municipality to set up a pedibus!

Today, La Transporterie is still in its infancy, and needs to develop a real network to offer a maximum number of solutions to meet local needs.

So, if you're based in the west of Lyon and would like to contribute to more sustainable mobility in your area, don't hesitate to contact La Transporterie, or visit the latransporterie.fr website to find out more!

If you're not in the area, but would like to support this type of initiative, please contact us too!

latransporterie@gmail.com