European Mobility Week 2024
European Mobility Week 2024, which runs from 16-22 September, focuses this year on the theme ‘Shared Public Space ’, an approach that seeks to highlight the importance of managing urban space more efficiently and equitably.
With space in cities becoming increasingly limited and sustainability becoming a priority, it is crucial to find solutions that not only optimise mobility, but also improve the quality of life for all citizens.
At Apparkya Apparkya we are grateful to be an active part of this movement, promoting a smarter and more equitable use of public space through the management of the regulated zone in some cities.
Organisation and objective of European Mobility Week 2024
History and Organisation
European Mobility Week 2024 is an initiative that began in 2002, promoted by the European Commission with the aim of raising awareness among citizens and local authorities of the benefits of sustainable transport and encouraging the use of alternative modes of transport to the private car. This annual campaign has become a global benchmark event to promote more sustainable and efficient mobility practices in cities.
Over the years, European Mobility Week has gained considerable popularity, growing in participation both at the level of municipalities and organisations.
Participation in Spain
Spain has traditionally been one of the most active countries in these mobility campaigns.
In 2023, Spain registered the participation of 389 municipalities, making it one of the countries with the highest number of registered actions in Europe. This high participation reflects the commitment of Spanish municipalities to the promotion of sustainable mobility and their interest in being part of this global awareness campaign.
For 2024, the participation in Spain is 339, although the registration period is still open. The cities and municipalities that have registered show their interest in developing more inclusive and accessible public spaces, which is precisely the central focus of this year's edition.
What actions are being carried out this year in Spain for European Mobility Week 2024?
During European Mobility Week 2024 in Spain, several actions and activities will take place. These initiatives are designed to promote a more sustainable use of urban space, encourage alternative modes of transport to the private car, and encourage citizen participation in improving mobility in cities. Here are some of the actions planned:
- Temporary street closures to traffic: Madrid and Barcelona are two of the cities most involved in the "Car Free Day ’, where some streets will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic so that citizens can enjoy recreational, cultural and sporting activities in a car-free environment. -Implementation of temporary bike lanes: Seville and Valencia stand out as cities where temporary bike lanes will be installed or existing ones will be extended.
- Awareness-raising and road safety education campaigns: Zaragoza and Malaga will organise various educational campaigns aimed at students, families and drivers to promote more sustainable and responsible mobility habits. These activities will include talks, workshops and educational games. -Shared Mobility Initiatives: in Bilbao and Granada, shared mobility projects and platforms, such as the use of shared vehicles, will be encouraged.
- Recognition of Best Practices: Vitoria-Gasteiz and Pamplona will receive recognition for their continuous efforts in implementing permanent sustainable mobility measures. These awards highlight best practices and serve as an example for other cities in Spain.
Shared public space: The regulated zone in cities
From Apparkya, during European Mobility Week, we want to highlight how the regulated zone, colloquially known as the blue zone, in cities promotes a more responsible public space. The blue zone promotes the shared and efficient use of the limited space available in cities, being a key tool to transform our cities into more sustainable and accessible places.
Do you know some of the benefits of the blue zone?
- Car rotation: the limitation of time in the blue zone promotes vehicle rotation.
- Improving mobility: it helps to improve people's mobility around the city, thanks to access to car parks in strategic areas of the city.
- Going green and sustainable: many blue zones are providing special parking for ECO or green vehicles, including special rates for parking and recharging batteries at the same time.
- Reserve space for residents: with this regulation, residents in the area will see their daily task of finding parking for their vehicles made much easier.
- Rationalising space: allows for efficient use of available parking spaces, maximising parking capacity in strategic areas and optimises the use of urban space.
Thanks to this regulation, we allow one parking space to be used by up to five different citizens each day. This not only optimises the use of space, but also reduces congestion and improves the urban experience for all citizens.
In addition, the management of the regulated zone encourages a constant rotation of vehicles, which reduces the need to search for parking for long periods, thus reducing the CO2 emissions associated with unnecessary traffic.
At Apparkya, we are committed to this vision and continue to work towards more sustainable mobility.
