European Mobility Week
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Every year from 16 to 22 September, the European Mobility Week is an event, politically supported by the European Commission, DG Environment, that consists of a whole week of awareness raising events focusing on various aspects of sustainable transport in European cities. The Car Free Day on 22nd of September is part of the whole Mobility Week. The general objective of this event is to promote more sustainable means of transport for European cities: walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing with a view to reallocate public space for a better transport efficiency. Air pollution, noise, climate change, energy efficiency, safety, public health and quality of life are key issues for this campaign.[1]
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[edit] History
The European Mobility Week has been launched in 2002 by Commissioner Margot Wallström.
- From 16 to 22 September 2002:
Week themes: Public Transport, Cycling and Living Streets/Greenways
418 cities and towns were involved.
- From 16 to 22 September 2003:
Week theme: Accessibility
721 cities and towns were involved.
- From 16 to 22 September 2004:
Week theme: Safe streets for children
854 cities and towns were involved.
- From 16 to 22 September 2005:
Week theme: Clever Commuting
964 cities and towns were involved.
- From 16 to 22 September 2006:
Week theme: Climate Change
1321 cities and towns were involved.
- From 16 to 22 September 2007:
Week theme: Streets for people
2020 cities and towns were involved.
- From 16 to 22 September 2008:
Clean air for all will be the common theme for the whole Europe.
[edit] The European Mobility Week 2008
"Clean air for all" will be the central theme for European Mobility Week 2008. Amongst the topics of particular concern for European citizens, one can find air quality. We all need good quality air for our own health and that of our environment.
Over the last few years, many concerns were raised reflecting on the dangerous effects of emissions caused by human activities, especially in the transport sector. Indeed, while transport is essential to make urban areas function, it also contributed to an array of problems such as loss of productivity and air pollution.
While actions have been taken to reduce harmful emissions from the transport sector and that vehicles have become cleaner, the beneficial effects of this technological advances are lost due to the exceptional growth in car use! A key concern now is to develop policies and programmes aimed at reducing vehicle miles travelled and to develop alternative technologies such as green vehicles and cleaner fuels.
Concrete actions to reduce the emissions of pollutants have already been taken at all governance levels but more still needs to be done. It is our direct responsibility to cope with this problem, changing our day-to-day behaviour by taking small but efficient actions for our environment. Local authorities have a crucial role to play in the implementation of national and European legislations and need to protect the health of their citizens. Nevertheless, local authorities need the help of all local stakeholders to meet the challenge of reducing harmful emissions.
[edit] The European Mobility Week Award 2009
For the seventh time, the European Mobility Week Award rewards local authorities for activities organised in the framework of the European Mobility Week.
- Winner of the 2008 European Mobility Week Award: Koprivnica (Croatia)
- Winner of the 2007 European Mobility Week Award: León (Spain)
- Winner of the 2006 European Mobility Week Award: Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Winner of the 2005 European Mobility Week Award: Nantes (France)
- Winner of the 2004 European Mobility Week Award: Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- Winners of the 2003 European Mobility Week Awards:
- Ferrara (Italy) for the most comprehensive action plan regarding thematic events, individual activities and involvement of citizens.
- Geneva (Switzerland) for the most innovative permanent measure implemented on the occasion of the European Mobility Week.
- Lund (Sweden) for the best communication strategy to promote the European Mobility Week towards the citizens.
- Krakow (Poland) for their commitment and involvement in implementing the first European Mobility Week in their local authority, the jury of experts proposed for a special mention.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Rush-hour race to rescue climate", BBC News, September 19, 2006.
