European Mobility Week

European Mobility Week 2011 is an annual awareness raising campaign which aims to promote and encourage the use of sustainable modes of travel, such as walking, cycling and public transport. Increased use of sustainable transport will reduce noise and air pollution from motorised traffic in urban areas. This will lead to an increased quality of life for residents. European Mobility Week 2011 runs from 16 to 22 September, and the theme for 2011 is Alternative Mobility.

European Mobility Week aims to promote the European Union climate and energy targets and demonstrate ways in which we can all help in achieving these targets. The European Union has set a number of climate and energy targets to be achieved by 2020. These targets aim to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases by 20%, increase energy efficiency by 20% and increase the share of renewable energy consumption by 20%. The overall aim is to encourage the use of sustainable modes of travel and reduce the use of private cars, in particular for short trips.

In Town Without My Car Day

The finale to European Mobility Week is In Town Without My Car Day which is held on 22 September every year. In Town Without My Car Day encourages citizens to leave their cars at home and travel by public transport, walking or cycling. The aim is to demonstrate how our city streets would be improved if there was less vehicular traffic using them.

In Town Without My Car Day forms an integral part of European Mobility Week. Each year a growing number of European cities take part, usually by hosting an event which encourages people to leave their cars at home and to walk, cycle or use public transport instead.

Get2 commuter challenge

Salford City Council will be celebrating European Mobility Week and In Town Without My Car Day by encouraging organisations and individuals to travel sustainably. Greater Manchester Friends of the Earth are supporting European Mobility Week with the Get2 work or college campaign. The campaign focuses on getting people to work or college by using sustainable and healthy modes of travel.

To try a greener and healthier way to Get2 work or college and improve your health, register on the Friends of the Earth website and show your support for the Get2 campaign. Record your journeys and you will be entered into a prize draw.

This page was last updated on 13 September 2011