On Friday 13 September 2024, Luxembourg's Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, in collaboration with the Union of Luxembourg Cities and Municipalities (Syvicol) and the European Commission, announced the launch of the 23rd edition of the European Mobility Week, which will take place from 16 to 22 September 2024.
Involved since 2005, Luxembourg is actively participating in this awareness-raising campaign, orchestrated on a European scale to promote sustainable and inclusive modes of transport.
The objective of this international awareness-raising campaign initiated by the European Commission and resulting from the "Day without my car" initiative, is to encourage as many people as possible to opt for gentle modes of transport as alternatives to individual motorised transport. It also aims to encourage and reward collective initiatives in favour of the development of sustainable mobility.
"Shared public space"
In a context where public space is becoming increasingly limited in European cities, this initiative aims to rethink and reorganise the use of our urban infrastructures. The aim is to create inclusive spaces, well served by public transport and accessible to all, where everyone can meet and take part in various activities. These shared spaces not only promote social equality, but also contribute to improving road safety, reducing noise and air pollution, and generally improving the quality of life.
As every year, a number of municipalities across the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg are participating in European Mobility Week and implementing initiatives in line with the annual theme.
The objectives of European Mobility Week 2024 are multiple:
- Improving the quality of life by developing infrastructure on a human scale;
- Promoting other European initiatives such as the REPowerEU plan and the European Green Deal;
- Encouraging the use of greener modes of transport and fostering behavioural change by reviewing the use of road infrastructure, while supporting public transport and active mobility.
On this occasion, Yuriko Backes, Minister of Mobility and Public Works, said: “This year’s theme, “Shared public space”, reflects our desire to create urban spaces that are not only functional, but also inclusive and welcoming for all. By giving space back to people rather than vehicles, we contribute to a more equal and environmentally friendly society. Our ambition is clear: to make Luxembourg a model for sustainable mobility in Europe.”
Anne Calteux, representative of the European Commission in Luxembourg, emphasised: “This year, European Mobility Week is an opportunity to reflect together on how we can share public space while ensuring that everyone, including pedestrians and cyclists, can move around safely. In this way, soft mobility becomes an easy choice for everyone while allowing citizens to actively contribute to protecting our planet!”
A rich and varied programme developed by the municipalities
On the occasion of European Mobility Week, the municipalities are implementing various actions and measures. The national programme available on www.mobiliteitswoch.lu illustrates the initiative and creativity deployed by the municipalities. This year, the programme includes walking and cycling tours, second-hand bicycle markets and presentations of mobility concepts.
Emile Eicher welcomed the initiatives taken by the municipalities and added: “The municipalities are close to the citizens and can therefore highlight important points in terms of mobility. Especially when it comes to changing habits. It is clear that municipalities want their citizens to move around more on foot or by bike. This not only helps to reduce traffic, but also has a positive impact on people's health in general."
Organised for more than two decades, the European Mobility Week has become a truly transnational event on a European scale to improve the quality of life in municipalities and cities.
