European Mobility Week highlights: Cities across Europe embrace greener, smarter transport

European Mobility Week 2024, held from 16 to 22 September, saw cities and communities across the continent come together to champion sustainable and healthier transport solutions. Towns and cities used this occasion to encourage behavioural change in favour of walking, cycling, public transport, and other clean transport options. Local authorities were also encouraged to use the week to measure air and noise quality, experiment with pedestrian areas, and gather feedback from the public. This year, over 2600 towns and cities from 45 countries have registered their participation so far, alongside over 800 MOBILITYACTIONS registered by organisations other than cities

Sadly, several towns and cities that signed up for European Mobility Week faced unexpected challenges due to severe flooding that struck Central and Eastern Europe. Countries like Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia experienced heavy rainfall, leading to widespread disruptions in public transport and the cancellation of many European Mobility Week activities. Budapest (HU), winner of last year’s European Mobility Week Award, was among the hardest hit, with extreme flooding forcing the cancellation of many events. In addressing the crisis, Mayor Gergely Karácsony emphasised that while flood protection was the city’s most urgent priority, European Mobility Week’s theme of transforming public spaces for both mobility and climate adaptation remained more relevant than ever. He called for cities to rethink their transport infrastructure, highlighting the need for solutions that not only address immediate needs but also strengthen long-term climate resilience. Budapest’s Car-Free Weekend, originally scheduled for last week, has been postponed to 5-6 October 2024. 

Cities that were able to go ahead with their European Mobility Week plans embraced the 2024 theme, "Shared Public Space". The theme underscored the importance of creating urban areas that cater to people, various modes of transport, and diverse activities. Throughout the week, events encouraged citizens to adopt walking, cycling, and public transport, demonstrating how these choices positively impact both mobility and urban living by cutting down pollution, noise, and congestion. By reclaiming streets for pedestrians and cyclists, cities aimed to foster safer, more sustainable spaces where communities can thrive. Below are some examples of initiatives and activities from across Europe that captured the spirit of this year's theme.

In Škofljica (SI), local officials organised a cycling event that invited community members to explore their town on two wheels. This initiative aimed to boost local engagement and showcase the benefits of active transport. Participants enjoyed the experience of cycling through guided tours in their scenic surroundings. City officials in Molde (NO) also promoted active travel by hosting a mobility lunch event with a live podcast discussion on how we can share public spaces in a safe way. Later in the week, they rewarded pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users with free coffee and reflectors on their journeys to work or school.

Meanwhile, in Madrid (ES), on Sunday 22 September, residents had a unique opportunity to experience the city's transport history through the Exhibition of Historic Buses on Paseo del Prado. Nine iconic buses showcased the evolution of public transport in the capital, from the city’s first bus—the GUY Arab from 1948—to the Pegaso 6035, Madrid’s first articulated bus. The exhibit not only illustrated the transformation of bus design but also highlighted advances in propulsion technology and accessibility. Madrid’s packed European Mobility Week agenda also included diverse events such as exhibitions, talks, cycle and walking tours, and interactive experiences, all aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility and encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable transport options such as walking, cycling, and public transport. 

In Bissen (LU), as part of their European Mobility Week celebrations, they hosted an exhibition titled On the Move: A Photographic Exploration, from 14 to 22 September. This event showcased works by local photographers Ludo Segers and Kateryna Mostova, who captured the essence of mobility through their lenses. Councillor Georges Lucius noted that the exhibition encouraged reflection on transport choices through the power of art.

Lisbon (PT) also organised and hosted a wide range of exciting and diverse activities throughout the week, including initiatives aimed at promoting cycling among students. Schools in the Agrupamento Virgílio Ferreira held sessions discussing the benefits of cycling to school and how to navigate urban transport safely. The CARRIS Zero Emissions exhibition was also open to the public throughout the week, offering a multimedia experience in Praça do Comércio, showcasing strategies for decarbonising Lisbon's transport. On 22 September, the Arroios Moov festival celebrated mobility with workshops, demonstrations, and family activities, including opportunities to explore public transport and learn about safe mobility practices.

In Ukraine, eight towns and cities – Chernihiv, Chernivtski, Irshava, Krasnokutsk, Lviv, Poltava, Slobozhanske and Uzhhorod – participated in European Mobility Week, showcasing their commitment to promoting sustainable transport and shared public space. Poltava (UA), in particular, hosted some unique and engaging events that encouraged active transport and a healthy lifestyle among city residents of all ages. The city organised a roller-skating competition, a family relay race, and a cycling quest, where participants worked together using maps to navigate.

As European Mobility Week came to a close, many cities embraced Car Free Day on Sunday 22 September. Dublin (IE) transformed Custom House Quay into a vibrant car-free zone featuring cycling workshops, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Similarly, Ibiza (ES) celebrated with a variety of fun activities for families. In the Paseo de Vara de Rey, children participated in a road safety circuit and attended bike workshops.

Brussels (BE) Capital Region’s city-wide Car Free Day, the largest annual car-free celebration in Europe, was celebrated in style with a lively agenda of activities for all ages. The agenda included a women’s bike ride on Sunday 22 September, which aimed to make women’s presence more visible in public spaces and encourage others to embrace cycling. On the same day, a children’s bike ride and parade, the Kidical Mass, took place, encouraging families to cycle together. Additionally, the Mobility Village on Boulevard de Waterloo invited attendees to test out over 40 mobility services available in Brussels, including public transport, taxis, shared cars, and e-bikes. The event featured trial tracks, children’s activities, food trucks, and opportunities to learn about eco-friendly transport options.

European Mobility Week 2024 left a clear mark on cities and communities across Europe. By engaging citizens of all ages in diverse activities and emphasising the importance of sustainable transport and public space, the week not only raised awareness but also demonstrated the tangible benefits of reducing car dependency in towns and cities. While the week’s activities have come to an end, the principles and lessons learned will continue to resonate, setting the stage for future progress towards more sustainable, accessible, and healthy towns and cities.

Find out more about the European Mobility Week theme "Shared Public Space" here. 

Author: Dearbhla Mullin

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.