Don't forget the EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK campaign!

EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK will be running from 16-22 September and this year’s theme is ‘Zero-emission mobility for all’. Over 2300 towns and cities from 40 countries have registered so far.

EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK  aims to improve quality of life and public health by encouraging sustainable urban transport and clean mobility. The movement allows citizens to explore the potential of city streets and experiment with real-world solutions to problems such as air pollution.

EU Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean said: ‘This year is a big challenge for our towns and cities. But the pandemic also showed us that people appreciate and expect our cities to become safer, cleaner and accessible to all. During this week and beyond, our partner cities from all around Europe will show how greener and more digital European towns and cities could look.’

In parallel, and in cooperation with EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK, the European network of road traffic police forces (ROADPOL) is organising a new campaign for road safety – the ROADPOL Safety Days (previously ‘Project EDWARD’). As part of the campaign, national police forces will record the number of road deaths on 17 September, aiming for zero deaths on that day.

EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK gives towns and cities a platform to showcase the benefits of clean transport choices, providing sustainable mobility alternatives to all attendees. This is the perfect opportunity for stakeholders to network and discuss all aspects of mobility.

Initiatives across Europe

This year, Essen (Germany) will launch the city’s first sidewalk extension (or parklet) and will organise workshops on road safety and sustainable mobility, examining for example how local businesses can become bicycle-friendly employers. In addition, the city will launch a new e-charging station and will install smart lamp posts.

Lahti (Finland) will celebrate the week with guided walking tours, workshops and seminars on the importance of sustainable mobility. A clean-up day will be organised, where residents are encouraged to get together clear litter from public areas around the city.

Cesena (Italy) will use the week as an opportunity to seek feedback from local residents on their new sustainable urban mobility plan. In addition, the city will invite children to submit photographs and drawings, illustrating their experience of commuting in the city.

Girona (Spain) will hand out a free breakfast to reward those who cycle to work. In addition, the city will organise guided walking tours, workshops on bicycle safety and maintenance, an exhibition on electric and hybrid vehicles, and a film screening on sustainable mobility.

Gdańsk (Poland) is arranging bicycle trips to local monuments and attractions. During car-free day, residents owning a car will be able to access public transport for free.

Participation

This year, in light of the pandemic, towns and cities have maximum flexibility when participating. Local authorities can register their events and permanent infrastructure initiatives as usual, but also their online alternatives and their short-term measures to help people move around safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures may include the temporary reallocation of road space to create pop-up bike lanes, or the introduction of speed restrictions. See the event page here for more details. 

Original press relase first published by EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK