Mobility Week '12: Moving in the right direction
Hundreds of European towns and cities including many CIVITAS cities will participate in the eleventh edition of European Mobility Week from 16-22 September 2012. This year’s focus, ‘Moving in the right direction’ aims to raise awareness of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans and how to involve citizens and local stakeholders in the planning process.
As well as introducing and promoting measures to encourage cycling, walking and collective transport, European Mobility Week is a chance to develop and improve sustainable transport strategies through public consultations, conferences and debates and by demonstrating and testing new solutions. Developing Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans in close consultation with people and businesses, would allow European towns and cities to boost economic performance and improve quality of life at the local level. European commissioner for the Environment Janez Potocnik confirmed his support for the campaign, “It’s time to start moving in the right direction. Moving towards a sustainable and efficient transport system will help enhance mobility and at the same time reduce pollution and improve the quality of life in cities. This edition of European Mobility Week looks at Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning as a way to balance transport development, environmental quality and social equity. Better planning can help cities benefit from greater mobility as well as better air quality, reduced emissions, less noise and a healthier urban environment. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s start moving!” European towns and cities can sign up to the European Mobility Week Charter and publish their programmes on www.mobilityweek.eu. Local authorities planning a full week of events from 16-22 September, introducing permanent measures and setting up a car-free day can also apply for the European Mobility Week Award. Janez Potocnik will officially launch the campaign to the media on 18 September 2012 as part of the ‘Sustainable Two-Wheels’ event at the European Parliament. The press pack is available for download on the Mobility Week press corner.
Author: Peter Staelens
