Best way to get around: bicycle, car or on foot?

News Published 16 Sep 2009 Last modified 20 Feb 2017

Every day, millions of Europeans make short trips to work, school or the shops. Their choice of how to reach their destination has a significant impact on the environment. During European Mobility Week from 16 to 22 September 2009, Europe will focus on sustainable mobility in urban areas. The European Environment Agency has tips to help you make your daily trips more environmentally friendly.

Clean air for all

Get in shape and be friendly to the environment all at once!

Journeys of less than 3 km may take less time if you walk, use a bike or take the bus. If taking your kids along, try using a skateboard, skipping rope or rollerblades!

Car pool!

If you live far away from school, instead of driving your kids to and from school each day, start a car pooling initiative with the other parents and share the responsibility. It will save you time, petrol and help the environment.

Keep your tyres properly inflated.

This will reduce wear and tear on them and increase their longevity, thereby saving money. It also saves precious raw material: it takes 27 litres of crude oil to produce a new tire. Under-inflated tyres also increase fuel consumption by up to 10 %. Check your tyres at least once a month.

Slow down!

When driving your car, drive steadily and anticipate what is coming up. Avoid rapid accelerations and breaking as much as possible. This will decrease your fuel consumption.

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Ensuring quality of life in Europe's cities and towns In May 2008, the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities captured the concerns and desires of urban policy‑makers and citizens in the title of its new European Urban Charter: Manifesto for a new urbanity. Like numerous other international and European charters, conventions and declarations, the manifesto describes with some apprehension the 'unprecedented environmental, democratic, cultural, social and economic challenges' facing urban centres and their inhabitants. Our report on quality of life in Europe's cities and towns reiterates these concerns but also unravels the many apparent paradoxes of urban development and the sometimes perplexing realities of urban Europe today. The report defines a vision for progress towards a more sustainable, well‑designed urban future.

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For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/best-way-to-get-around-bicycle-car-or-on-foot or scan the QR code.

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