For centuries, transport options were limited. Land transport in particular was difficult and dangerous. There were hardly any paved roads and the risk of being robbed was considerable. The most important trading places were therefore on the water, accessible for barges and sailing ships.

In the^19th century, a complete transport revolution took place. The invention of the steam engine was decisive for this. For transport by water there were steamships instead of sailing ships. Land transport became faster, more reliable and safer with the arrival of the steam train.

North Limburg also experienced (albeit relatively late) the consequences of these new developments. The Eindhoven-Venlo railway line was built in 1866 and the Nijmegen-Venlo line in 1883.

While they were still working on the expansion of the network of railways, a new means of transport came on the market around 1880: the car. Initially a toy for the happy few but soon an important means of transport for large numbers of people and goods. For that, of course, a road network had to be built. In the^2nd half of the last century, the fleet grew explosively as a result of the increased prosperity. Gradually, however, the negative aspects of this development also became clear: traffic victims, daily traffic jams and the consequences for the environment. The limits of growth now seem to have been reached and other solutions will have to be sought.

In this context, it is therefore interesting that eight north Limburg municipalities are united in the Regional Mobility Consultation “Trendsportal”. This initiative reflects on traffic and transport issues in the region. It is open to anyone who feels involved in and wants to actively contribute to sustainable, safe and smart mobility in the future. This is how we go to tomorrow