From 16 to 22 September, the European Mobility Week will take place across Europe, encouraging people to choose modes of transport that are environmentally and health-friendly and to be physically active at any age.
Last year, Riga took first place in the European Commission’s competition for activities carried out during European Mobility Week. So, the city is continuing the work it has begun and, once again this year during Mobility Week, under the slogan “Riga for Movement and Joy”, it offers a varied programme of events that encourages people to get moving and spend their time being active, regardless of age. Throughout the week, there will be bike rides, walks, exercise classes, creative activities and various events in Riga’s neighbourhoods.
“European Mobility Week in Riga has already become a wonderful tradition, inviting people every year to look at the city from a different perspective. I believe that, year on year, this initiative will grow and involve an ever-increasing number of Riga residents, businesses and organisations. A people-friendly city starts with everyday choices, with the option to get around safely on foot, by bike or using other forms of micro-mobility. There is still a great deal to be done in Riga, particularly to ensure that the cycle path network is better connected, allowing people to get around even more freely and safely. And, step by step, we are building a city that puts people first. During Mobility Week, I encourage every resident of Riga to try a new way of getting around, take a walk around their neighbourhood, or travel to their usual destination in a manner different to their usual routine. “Sometimes, all it takes is a small change to see your city from a completely different perspective,” says Viesturs Kleinbergs, Chairman of Riga City Council.
As part of European Mobility Week, the weekend pedestrianisation initiative on Alberta Street and a section of Antonijas Street will conclude on 20 September. Residents and visitors of Riga are invited to spend the next two weekends enjoying the benefits of the pedestrianised streets and taking their time to admire the city’s unique architecture and explore what local businesses and restaurants have to offer.
To mark European Mobility Week, the Meža Street Neighbours’ Evening will take place in Āgenskalns on 11 September, where residents will have the opportunity to discover the improvements made to Meža Street and the surrounding area, which have been implemented as part of the international “Just Streets” project to create a safer, more accessible and people-friendly urban environment, as well as take part in various activities for children and adults.
Riga will compete for the title of ‘most active city’ in the European Mobility Week Steps Challenge
For the second year running, from 16 September to 22 September, the European Mobility Week Steps Challenge “Walk for your city!” will take place, organised by the European Commission’s EIT Urban Mobility in collaboration with the Walk15 app. Riga residents are invited to join the Riga team in the app and actively walk, making Riga the most active city in Europe. Last year, Riga came second in the walking challenge, behind Vilnius.
Free sports sessions, walks and bike rides will encourage Riga residents to get active and explore their neighbourhoods
To encourage people to lead an active lifestyle and move more, as part of the European Social Fund Plus project “We’re for a Healthy Riga!”, residents will have access to a wide range of free activities, including more than 70 free qigong, fitness, street workout, yoga and Nordic walking classes, as well as hikes. On 21 September, Iļģuciems will also host the “Healthy Walk for Seniors”, which will include a warm-up session led by a physiotherapist and an approximately 2-hour guided walk along the “Green Iļģuciems” route. Advance registration is required for all classes and hikes.
Encouraging Riga residents to use the new cycling infrastructure and explore their neighbourhoods, the coordinators of the Riga Neighbourhood Residents’ Centre are inviting people to join their cycle rides. On 16 September, a cycle ride will take place through Riga’s largest neighbourhoods – Purvciems and Pļavnieki. On 20 September, residents are invited to join a cycle ride from Riga to Babīte, exploring the neighbourhoods of Anniņmuiža, Imanta, Dzirciems and Ķīpsala, whilst on 22 September, Riga residents are invited to join a cycle ride towards Bišumuiža and Ķekava. No prior registration is required.
The Smart Cities Conference will discuss the implementation of urban innovation
On 17 September, the Riga Technical University will host the Smart Cities Conference, whose central theme this year is “What does it take to make urban innovation truly work?” More than 250 representatives from cities and local authorities in Latvia and across Europe, public authorities, research, business and innovation ecosystems will attend the conference to discuss the development of smart cities, digital transformation, and how innovations progress from ideas and pilot projects to practical and scalable solutions.
Highlights of the week – Mobility event for families in Bolderāja and a Tweed Ride
On 19 September, an entertaining mobility event for families will take place in Bolderāja, on Stūrmaņu Street between Gobas and Brūžu Streets, where Riga residents will have the opportunity to experience how mobility and purposeful movement can change our daily lives and habits. Throughout the day, the event will feature a variety of creative and physical activities, a discussion, bike trial demonstrations, a performance by illusionist Edžus, a concert by Valters Pūce and Dainis Tenis, and, to round off the event, Riga’s residents are invited to a concert by the band Autobuss debesīs. During the event, the section of Stūrmaņu Street will be closed to motorised traffic.
On 19 September, Riga will host the traditional Riga Tweed Ride – one of the most elegant and anticipated events in Latvian cycling culture. Riga residents and visitors are invited to wear retro costumes, decorate their bicycles and enjoy the cityscape together on a unique ride through the streets of Riga. This year, the ride will start at the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia and end in the Kalnciema Quarter. The ride will take you through various streets and the city centre.
Also on this day, the “Imulrings 2026” cycling race for the whole family will take place at the Imula and Kalvene Street loop: an annual European Mobility Week event featuring bike rides in various cycling categories (as well as a kick-scooter category), including rolling, inline skating, a bike relay, a run, and even a tug-of-war. The competition is organised by the Annas 2 Riga Technical Creativity House in cooperation with the Riga City Council.
On the International Car-Free Day, the Riga City Council will close a car park in Old Riga and organise a Velobus activity for schoolchildren
The Mobility Week will close on 22 September with International Car-Free Day. To raise awareness of sustainable urban mobility, the Riga City Council will close the Town Hall car park in Old Riga on this day. Moreover, it is calling on businesses and organisations to join the initiative – to close their car parks for one day and encourage staff to avoid using private cars, opting instead for public transport, cycling or walking.
To urge schoolchildren to cycle and demonstrate how to cycle safely along Riga’s cycle paths, the Riga City Council will hold a special Velobus event on this day: “Cycle through Riga. Change your morning!” The event will involve a group bike ride to school. The activity will be organised for pupils at Riga Secondary School No. 84, with the aim of encouraging them to cycle to school on their own.
You can find the programme of events organised by the Riga City Council and further information on the Council’s website: https://www.riga.lv/en/mobilitate.
Information was prepared by Tatjana Smirnova, Project Coordinator at the External Communication Department of the Riga Municipality, e-mail: TSmirnova11@riga.lv