The European Mobility Week Award recognises local authorities for outstanding campaigns promoting sustainable urban mobility. This year, three Eurocities members are among the finalists.
Each year from 16-22 September, the European Commission’s flagship awareness-raising campaign on sustainable urban mobility, European Mobility Week dedicates a full week to promoting behavioural change in favour of active mobility, public transport, and other clean, intelligent transport solutions culminating with the popular Car-Free Day.
During the week, local authorities are encouraged to test innovative planning measures, promote new infrastructure and technologies, measure air quality, and connect directly with the public for feedback. In 2024, over 2,700 towns and cities participated in 45 countries.
Here are the finalists and the impactful local initiatives that earned them a spot among the top sustainable urban mobility campaigns:
Bologna, Italy
Bologna’s campaign focused on making sustainable mobility concepts and activities more accessible to residents of all ages. The city organised a range of information stands and educational activities highlighting sustainable urban mobility plans and the transformation of public spaces. Key initiatives included a Bike to School challenge and Mobility Square, where visitors engaged with informative stands, hands-on educational activities, and promotional giveaways showcasing urban and metropolitan mobility projects.
Local businesses and citizen-led organisations played an active role in shaping the programme, fostering a sense of community ownership over sustainable mobility. Among the city’s most ambitious initiatives is Bologna 30, a bold policy that has permanently reduced speed limits to 30 km/h on 70% of the municipality’s roads, improving safety and livability. The campaign concluded with Car-Free day, transforming the city’s historic and commercial centre into a pedestrian-friendly space, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
Braga, Portugal
Braga already holds the European Mobility Award in 2022. This year’s campaign featured a diverse range of activities, many of which were co-created with local residents. A key focus was on building the capacity of politicians and urban mobility technicians to drive meaningful change in sustainable transport. Among the initiatives was the Junior Police programme, where children, alongside police officers, identified improper use of public space by car drivers, engaging 60 children and 15 adults in discussions on road safety and responsible mobility. Schools also took part in an urban bicycle ride, encouraging cycling as a daily mode of transport.
The city showcased its commitment to sustainable mobility through the expansion of urban cycle paths, the launch of multiple school mobility projects, and the transformation of Dom Pedro V Street into a shared public space. Additionally, two dedicated kiosks provided information on mobility projects, reaching 14,500 residents throughout the week, ensuring broad public engagement and awareness.
Leipzig, Germany
Leipzig’s European Mobility Week campaign featured a spectacular car-free day, closing off the inner-city ring road for 12 hours to create space for a diverse range of activities that engaged around 25,000 people. The day began with an Opening Tour led by the Mayor of Leipzig, followed by discussions on living in harmony with nature. The event showcased Leipzig’s innovative approach to mobility, with interactive experiences such as a mobile bicycle repair service on a cargo bike, and an e-scooter parkour set up by local transport companies. Tech enthusiasts explored ABSOLUT’s self-driving, an on-demand shuttle prototype.
Throughout European Mobility Week, Leipzig hosted a full programme of workshops, lectures, and discussions centred on sustainable mobility. The campaign strongly reflected the ‘shared public space’ theme, with pedestrianisation initiatives and traffic-calming measures helping to reclaim urban areas for people. The city also partnered with DHL, Nextbike, Tink, and ADFC to expand cargo bike rentals and promote cycling, raising awareness of active mobility solutions.
As we celebrate the campaigns of 2024, they inspire cities to take action on sustainable urban mobility year-round. The winner will be announced in Brussels on 27 March at an award ceremony hosted by the European Commission and presenting the finalists and winners for another category for organisations other than cities. Register for the event here.
Inspired to create your own city’s European Mobility Week campaign? The theme for September 2025 is ‘Mobility for Everyone’. Get involved here.
