EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK has hit a new participation record, with almost 2,800 towns and cities from 54 countries taking part in 2018. A full list of participants can be viewed online.

This impressive figure marks the third record-breaking year in a row for the campaign. The geographic reach of EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK has also expanded, with towns and cities from 54 countries participating, including several from outside of Europe.

Car-free day, in which towns and cities close one or more streets to traffic, was carried out by 1,145 participants, while 1,276 towns and cities declared that they had implemented at least one permanent measure. Overall, 8,839 permanent measures were implemented by participating cities in 2018.

Car-free day often leads to a marked increase in air quality in the area in which it is implemented and is the perfect opportunity for local authorities to measure the impact of motorized vehicles on the air we breathe. A recent study on Brussels’ car-free day found that black carbon decreased by 80 percent during the period in which cars were off the roads.

Media coverage of EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK was extensive, with over 8,000 news items produced about the campaign, reaching more than 200 million people.

Towns and cities that carried out all three of the participation criteria (carry out a week of activities celebrating clean forms of mobility, implement at least one permanent measure that encourages sustainable transport, and hold a car-free day) are eligible to apply for the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Awards. 

The EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Awards are given out in two categories: one for municipalities larger than 50,000 inhabitants, and one for smaller municipalities under this threshold. The deadline for applying is 23 October 2018.