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European Mobility Week 2012: Moving in the right direction

News Published 17 Sep 2012 Last modified 25 Aug 2016

1 min read

Photo: © Mikael Colville-Andersen

Topics: Transport Sustainability transitions Environment and health

Imagine a city with clean air and little noise. A place free of congestion, where getting around town is easy. To move towards this goal, cities need to develop sustainable and efficient urban transport systems which integrate all modes of transport both in the cities and in their surrounding areas. Citizens can help by making the right choices.

During European Mobility Week, 16–22 September, hundreds of cities across Europe will promote sustainable transport in urban areas and encourage their residents to reduce private car use. The European Environment Agency (EEA) has green tips to help you make your daily journeys more environmentally friendly.

How can you make a difference?

Walk, cycle or take the bus

Get in shape and be friendly to the environment all at once. Walk, cycle or take the bus as much as possible and encourage your kids to do the same. You could also try using a skateboard, skipping rope or rollerblades.

Share your car

If you have to use a car to get to work, sign up to a car sharing scheme.

Keep your tyres properly inflated

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

Slow down

When driving avoid rapid acceleration and braking. This can cut your fuel consumption.