On Tuesday, 17 March, at a solemn award ceremony in Brussels, Riga received the highest recognition from the European Commission for its activities during the European Mobility Week last year. The award is given to the municipality for outstanding work in promoting sustainable mobility during the main week of the campaign from 16 to 22 September.
Each year, the European Commission evaluates and identifies the best initiatives that raise public awareness of sustainable urban mobility and its management during European Mobility Week. The competition recognises both the best overall campaign and individual activities.
An independent jury of mobility and transport experts recognised the campaign implemented by the Riga Municipality as the most valuable in the competition, which combined both entertaining and educational activities. Riga's victory in the competition confirms the city's purposeful work in developing environmentally friendly transport solutions and raising awareness of citizens on sustainable mobility. In turn, South Tyrol (Italy) received recognition for the developed application, which provides residents and tourists with all the necessary information about mobility and mobility opportunities.
Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, noted: “The winners show that mobility can be fair, inclusive and truly people-centred. When cities and regions put people first, transportation becomes more than just a means of transportation. It connects communities and improves everyday life. This is the future we want for European transport - more sustainable and accessible for all.”
Marta Kotello, Chairperson of the Riga City Council Traffic and Transport Committee, pointed out the following: “In Riga, the purposeful creation of a modern urban environment has begun relatively recently, and it still requires courage, a clear vision and the involvement of the public. A modern, green and safe city, where street space is accessible to everyone, is not self-evident – it is created through good examples and gradual changes. I am really glad that Riga has been noticed. European Mobility Week is an important platform that allows you to talk more about sustainable mobility and changing habits. This assessment reinforces our belief that we are moving in the right direction. This year, we are continuing to work on building Riga as a more people-friendly city by implementing a record number of small improvements that will improve the everyday life of the residents. Thank you to the entire Riga team and to every resident of Riga who chooses sustainable ways of moving.”
Last year’s European Mobility Week theme was “Mobility for Everyone”, emphasising access to sustainable mobility options for all, regardless of income, gender, ability or place of residence. The Riga Municipality adopted the slogan “Sustainable mobility – accessible to everyone!”, reflecting the city’s commitment to greener and more inclusive mobility.
In the last two years, the Riga Municipality has been implementing the activities of the European Mobility Week on a larger scale in the form of information campaign involving other institutions of the municipality and cooperation partners. Last year, one of the biggest events was pop-up, or temporary pedestrian streets, when sections of Antonijas and Dzirnavu Streets were closed to traffic on the mobility weekend, turning them into a walking and meeting place. Such initiatives have already become a tradition in many parts of Europe, while supporting local entrepreneurs and cafes, as well as promoting a sustainable urban environment.
During European Mobility Week, an international step challenge “Walk for Your City” was organised for the first time, in which around 500 European cities competed for the title of the most active walking city, with Riga taking second place. In addition, a step challenge for Riga schools was organised, where the main prize – a performance by illusionists Pecolli – was won by Riga Jaunciems Elementary School.
In cooperation with the Latvian Old Age Bicycle Club, a retro “Tweed Ride” took place, while families could participate in cycling competition “Imulrings”. Experts in mobility and other fields gathered at the Smart Cities Conference and the Riga Cycling Conference, but a mind workshop "Mobile Riga" was organised for young people. In order to promote environmentally friendly mobility, users of social networks were able to follow the competition “Mobility Influencers” of four digital content creators and participate in radio competitions.
In cooperation with SIA “Rīgas satiksme” and AS “Pasažieru vilciens” (VIVI), passengers experienced “positive emotions” routes with various surprises on twelve different trips. At the public transport stop “National Library”, people could take part in a flash activity and learn Zumba dance movements. Eco-friendly mobility ambassadors were also present in the city, greeting and encouraging people who choose sustainable transport options in their daily lives instead of using cars.
At the same time, the European Commission also welcomed Riga's work to create safer, more human-friendly streets by building both new cycling infrastructure and introducing 30 km/h zones, new speed ramps and other solutions.
This year, the Riga Municipality plans to continue its efforts and organise various activities and events promoting environmentally friendly mobility during European Mobility Week.
The European Mobility Week, organised by the European Commission, takes place every year from 16 to 22 September and is the leading campaign in Europe on sustainable urban mobility. It is organised with the aim of promoting changes in the habits of the population and moving with environmentally and human health-friendly solutions that can help reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and make cities more pleasant to live and work in.
Last year, more than 2,700 cities and towns from 46 countries participated in the European Mobility Week campaign, while more than 900 companies, educational institutions, civil society organisations and citizen groups organised activities dedicated to sustainable mobility.
More information on the official website of the European Mobility Week www.mobilityweek.eu.
Information was prepared by Information was prepared by Tatjana Smirnova, Project Coordinator at External Communication Department of the Riga Municipality, e-mail: tsmirnova11@riga.lv