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European Mobility Week is an initiative by the European Commission that takes place annually from September 16 to 22. Its main goal is to promote sustainable mobility and raise awareness among citizens about the need to reduce the use of private cars, encouraging greener alternatives such as walking, cycling, or using public transport. The week culminates with Car-Free Day, a day when motorized vehicle traffic is restricted in certain urban areas, inviting citizens to enjoy the city through more sustainable means of transport. European Mobility Week is organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, with support from various local and regional entities, NGOs, associations, and citizens. Additionally, it involves active participation from local governments across Europe, which organize activities and events in their cities to promote sustainable mobility. This event is celebrated in cities and towns across Europe. Each year, thousands of municipalities join the campaign by organizing local activities. In 2023, a total of 3,266 cities from 50 different countries participated, from major capitals like Madrid, Paris, and Berlin to smaller towns. [European Mobility Week is celebrated to take action and generate results.] The main goal of European Mobility Week is to encourage a shift in behavior toward more sustainable mobility habits. As cities grow, so do challenges related to air pollution, traffic, and climate change. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of adopting environmentally friendly transportation alternatives, contributing to safer, cleaner, and healthier cities. In 2023, Spain had the highest participation, with a total of 428 cities involved, followed by Turkey with 422 cities and Austria with 552 cities. These countries stood out for their efforts in promoting activities and implementing permanent measures to encourage sustainable mobility at the local level. In terms of implemented actions, Germany led the way with 43 specific actions to promote sustainable mobility, followed by Spain with 31 actions, and France with 30. Every small contribution counts in the fight for a more sustainable environment, and these actions must not only be abundant but also effective. The key is for the adopted initiatives to have a real and positive impact on the daily lives of citizens, contributing to a permanent shift toward cleaner and safer mobility.

How Can You Be Part of the Movement?

Citizens can get involved in European Mobility Week in several ways. Some options include:

• Participating in local events organized during the week, such as guided walks, bike routes, or mobility workshops.
• Trying out sustainable transportation alternatives, such as using public transport, walking, or cycling instead of driving.
• Promoting the initiative on social media by sharing information about the importance of sustainable mobility using the hashtag #MobilityWeek.
• Supporting permanent measures implemented by local authorities, such as the expansion of bike lanes, low-emission zones, or increased public transport frequencies.

Impact of the 2023 Awareness-Raising Campaign

According to the 2023 European Mobility Week Impact Report, participation remained high, with a total of 3,266 cities from 50 different countries. In addition to temporary activities, 959 permanent measures were implemented, contributing to long-term improvements in urban mobility. These measures include the creation of new bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and improvements to public transport. The 2023 edition focused particularly on improving road safety and promoting active mobility, such as walking and cycling. More than 10,000 activities were organized across Europe, engaging millions of citizens in the push for more sustainable mobility. This edition was a notable success, having a significant impact on raising public awareness and implementing lasting changes in European cities. In summary, European Mobility Week is a crucial opportunity for citizens and local governments to work together toward a more sustainable future, promoting real changes in how we move around cities and towns across Europe.