From 16 to 22 September, the European Mobility Week will take place in many parts of Europe, encouraging people to choose environmentally and health-friendly forms of transport and to be physically active at any age. Riga residents are also invited to get involved in various activities – taking part in the international step challenge, cycle rides and physical activities in their neighbourhoods, the Tweed Ride and the mobility event on Stūrmaņu Street, as well as taking the time this weekend to leisurely enjoy the city’s unique architecture along the pedestrianised streets of Alberta Street and the section of Antonijas Street.
Last year, Riga won first place in the European Commission’s competition for activities implemented 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 actively, 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 possibility of getting around safely on foot, by bike or using other forms of micromobility. 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 move 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 way that differs from 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.
Riga will compete for the title of ‘most active city’ in the European Commission’s ‘Steps to Health’ challenge
For the second year running, from 16 September to 22 September, the international walking challenge “Walk for Your City!” will take place, organised by the European Commission’s EIT Urban Mobility in collaboration with the Walk 15 app. Riga residents are invited to join the Riga team in the app and actively walk, aiming to make Riga the most active city in Europe. Last year, Riga came second in the walking challenge, behind Vilnius. So far, more than 1,800 participants have signed up for the Riga team.
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 and 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 question 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, national government institutions, 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 Stūrmaņu Street and a Tweed Ride
On 19 September, an entertaining mobility event 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 September 19, Riga will host the traditional Riga Tweed Ride – one of the most elegant and eagerly 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 city 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 cycling in various categories (as well as a balance bike category), including rolling, inline skating, a bike relay, a run, and even a tug-of-war. The competition is organised by Riga Technical Creativity House “Annas 2” in cooperation with the Riga City Council.
To mark International Car-Free Day, the Riga City Council will organise a Velobus event for schoolchildren
The Mobility Week will close on 22 September with International Car-Free Day. To urge schoolchildren to promote cycling among schoolchildren and demonstrate how to travel 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, thereby encouraging pupils to cycle to school independently.
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
