The European day without cars, which is celebrated every year on September 22, puts the closure to a dedicated week, throughout Europe, to promote sustainable alternatives for urban mobility, promoting means of transport, such as bicycle, public transport or foot displacements.
Currently, more than 2,000 cities throughout the continent participate every year, in the European Mobility Week, closing streets to motorized traffic and organizing cultural, sports and educational activities to involve citizens in urban transformation.
One of the main arguments in favor of this day is the reduction of polluting emissions, responsible for very varied public health problems and adjuvants of global warming. In addition, limiting the access of cars to the center of cities, facilitates the decrease in noise pollution and improves air quality, which affects the well -being of its inhabitants.
Health and quality of life
Experts warn that exposure to air and noise pollution affects health either in the form of respiratory and cardiovascular problems or increasing stress levels. Several studies indicate that a temporary reduction of traffic translates into improvements in the quality of the air and the well -being of the population. In addition, by promoting the use of bicycle or walking, physical activity is encouraged, a practice to combat sedentary lifestyle and its impact on health.
The European day without cars also emphasizes the need for mobility to be accessible and inclusive for all. Older people, with disabilities and families with children are usually benefited by the decrease in traffic, which facilitates safer displacements
Urban Mobility Challenges
Although the date is a symbolic opportunity to change the model, making healthier and more sustainable cities, urban mobility challenges require continued actions and ambitious public policies ranging from infrastructure adaptation, accessibility and quality of public transport or urban planning aimed at reducing the dependence of the private car, to the integration of new technologies and shared mobility systems.
Innovation and good practices
In cities such as Amsterdam or Copenhagen, the commitment to sustainable mobility has deeply transformed the urban model. The creation of bike lanes, pedestrian areas, efficient public transport networks and emission reduction policies have served as an example for other European metropolis. Electric mobility projects, incentives for shared vehicles and educational campaigns complement the effort to reduce traffic and improve the quality of life.
Digitization also opens new possibilities to optimize transportation, plan routes and share vehicles. Mobile applications, bicycle rental systems and integrated mobility platforms facilitate access to sustainable alternatives and encourage conscious use of resources.
Mobility for all
This year the European Mobility Week wanted to emphasize the importance of ensuring that all people can have access to sustainable transport, regardless of their income, location, gender or capacities. Many people face challenges such as the high cost or lack of transport options, which limits their access to employment, education and essential services; This is known as transport poverty.
This same year, the European Commission has made public a series of recommendations so that states can address the complex challenges of transport poverty throughout the European Union, especially in the context of the next social plans on the climate.
In fact, it is expected that the ((Link: External ||| https: //climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets/social-climate-fund_en “>) Mobilize at least 86.7 billion euros from 2026, which will help European countries implement structural reforms and promote sustainable and inclusive mobility.