Zero-emission mobility for all
This is how the European Mobility Week 2020 introduces itself, with the purpose of promoting and reinforcing behaviours that contribute towards a sustainable mobility, especially in an urban context.This initiative is part of a European goal: reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.
The European Commission and the local authorities come together since 2002 to bring the European Mobility Week to the cities, with sensibilisation campaigns and planned activities in the week of 16 to 22 of September. This strategy has been applauded by many other countries that are not a part of the EU, having been adopted by Russia, Turkey, United States of America, Argentina, Japan or South Korea. More than 2.800 cities worldwide (in 50 different countries) take part in this special day, in support of a carbon-free mobility.
What is sustainable mobility?
Sustainable mobility arises from the need of reducing the negative consequences on the environment that result from the current transportation methods.These traditional transportation methods – such as personal vehicles – are still dependent on fossil fuels for the most part. With the increase of the population density and of the number of cars in circulation, the levels of greenhouse gas emissions have also increased, just as much as other pollutants that affect human health.
The use of collective transport instead of a personal vehicle or the use of less polluting vehicles, like electric or hybrid cars and buses, are some of the more immediate measures that one can take to reduce the impact of this problem on climate and atmosphere. On the other hand, if you cycle to work, or walk, you will be sparing the environment and your finances. And getting in a spectacular shape, while you’re at it.
What happens during the European Mobility Week?
The activities and initiatives in the European Mobility Week vary greatly from city to city, and from municipality to municipality, but traditionally include workshops for children and for adults, roads open to bicyclists or pedestrians only, guided bike tours, or film screenings, among many others.
The last day of this European Mobility Week, 22nd of September, is the European Car-Free Day. This day, that had its 21st edition in 2020, is a day when people all over the world are encouraged to not use their personal car and instead explore other alternatives like public transport or bicycles.
How to be a part of the European Mobility Week?
The European Mobility Week initiatives and activities happen all around you. Find out more about them with your local administration. You can check which municipalities in your country have adhered to the European Mobility Week 2020 on the official website.
If your municipality is not taking part, you can create your very own small – but very big – actions. You just need to register on the website and propose your “MobiliAction”. The application must be written in English. Check out all the MobiliActions in your country, by year.
How about cycling to work? Or taking an electric scooter? Does a family weekend walk with a picnic in the end sound appetising?
Join this movement, for a greener planet and for more regular physical activity. Your health will thank you.