Riga won the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award 2025 for bringing sustainable mobility to life through creative public space interventions and active community engagement. The city’s campaign focused on transforming streets, encouraging active travel, and exploring new ways of using urban space.

We spoke with Marta Kotello, Chairperson of the Riga City Council Traffic and Transport Committee, about what the award means for the city and how Riga is working to make mobility more people-centred. 
 
What does it mean for Riga to receive this recognition for EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK?  

We are really happy, and especially pleased that Riga has been recognised after taking part in EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK for many years. This recognition is important because it confirms that the direction we are taking is the right one, even though change is not always easy.

Riga remains a largely car-oriented city, so this award gives us encouragement to continue and to build on the progress we have made. It shows that even small steps, as well as more ambitious actions, can make a real difference.

Your activities last year focused strongly on transforming streets in the city centre. What was the idea behind this approach?  

Our main idea was to show what Riga’s streets could look like if they were used differently and prioritised people rather than cars. We selected two busy streets in the city centre, in a beautiful area with Art Nouveau architecture, cafés and restaurants, and closed them to traffic.

Instead of organising large events, we kept the intervention simple. We added street furniture and planters, while local cafés and restaurants helped bring the space to life. The transformation felt natural. Where cars would usually be parked or passing through, there were now people gathered around tables, chatting and spending time together. Even the weather helped us, and the results clearly show the potential of rethinking public space.

How did residents and businesses respond to these changes?  

Overall, people responded very positively. We were brave and believed in what we were doing, but not everyone was supportive at first. That is normal when familiar patterns in a city start to change.

When I visited the streets during the activities, the atmosphere was really encouraging. People looked happy and we received a lot of positive feedback, especially from local businesses. Many restaurant owners told us they would like to see similar initiatives more often, as they could clearly see the benefit of having more people spending time in the area.

There were also some critical voices questioning the need for such changes, which sparked a lively public debate, including on social media. We saw these discussions as valuable because they helped draw attention to how public space is used and encouraged people to think about what they want from their city.

What advice would you give to other cities taking part in EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK?  

One important lesson is that visibility matters. People often need to experience change firsthand to understand it, which is why temporary interventions can be so powerful. They allow cities to test ideas in a very immediate and tangible way and create space for conversations about long-term transformation.

It is also important to take a gradual approach and build trust over time. In Riga, we are working towards making our streets more friendly for residents and visitors, while learning from the experiences of other cities across Europe. Each edition of EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK helps us refine our approach and develop more confidence to try new things.

Riga’s programme included a wide range of creative activities, from Tweed Rides to events on public transport. What was the thinking behind this approach?  

The aim was to create positive emotions and memorable experiences around sustainable mobility. People lead busy lives, so if we can offer small moments of joy connected to walking, cycling or public transport, it helps foster positive associations with these modes of getting around.

We want sustainable mobility to feel accessible and enjoyable, not just practical. These activities help people connect with that idea in a direct and personal way.

Which initiatives worked best in engaging wider audiences?  

One of the most successful activities was the walking competition, as it is highly inclusive and easy for people to join. It brought together people from the city council, schools and local organisations, and helped create a shared sense of community.

We also saw strong engagement with more playful initiatives, such as the Tweed Ride and activities on public transport. Overall, what stood out most was the positive atmosphere throughout the week. Many people who would not usually engage with mobility topics took part and enjoyed the experience.

How did you involve so many different stakeholders in the campaign?  

Coordination worked exceptionally well because many activities were designed to be open and participatory. As part of the pop-up pedestrian street projects we also conducted surveys, which were shared on social media, asking residents where they would like to see streets closed to traffic. We received hundreds of ideas.

These suggestions are now being reviewed by the city’s mobility team to identify which can be implemented. This helps people feel that they are not only participating in events, but also actively contributing to future improvements in their city.

We also engaged professionals and institutions through initiatives such as the Smart Cities conference, which helped broaden the discussion.

How does EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK support long-term change in Riga?  

The campaign creates momentum for long-term change. Because it takes place every year, it helps build continuity and keeps sustainable mobility visible in public debate. It is not just a one-off event, but part of a broader process of transformation.

Winning the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award has further strengthened this momentum. It gives us visibility at European level and supports our efforts to develop more sustainable and people-centred transport policies.

Finally, what comes next for Riga following this recognition? 

We want to scale up our efforts. This means more street closures, more frequently, and not only in the city centre but also in neighbourhoods across Riga. We want to create more car-free spaces where people can experience the city in new ways.

We want to reach a wider audience and continue sharing stories that highlight how cycling, walking, and public transport can improve everyday life. Our goal is to build on this momentum so that some of these changes become permanent and Riga becomes a city where people can move around easily and comfortably without relying on cars.

The city will continue to turn that ambition into reality through a range of permanent improvements, including new cycling infrastructure, upgraded pedestrian crossings, additional mobility hubs near railway stations and further road safety measures to support safer, more sustainable travel across Riga, all planned to be implemented this year. 

Find out more about Riga’s award-winning activities on the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award page, here. 
 

As Cyprus currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, it is playing a key role in shaping discussions on sustainability and mobility across Europe. At the same time, the city of Limassol was recently recognised as a finalist for the 2025 EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award, highlighting the country’s growing commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

We spoke with Vana Gkania, the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK National Coordinator for Cyprus, during the most recent National Coordinators’ meeting to learn more about the country’s approach, recent achievements and future ambitions to further promote active mobility across its towns and cities. 

Can you tell us about your role as EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK National Coordinator for Cyprus and what your work entails? 

As National Coordinator, I oversee the promotion and coordination of EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK activities across Cyprus. This involves working closely with municipalities, stakeholders and local organisations to encourage participation and support the planning of events.

I have held the role since 2018. When we started, we introduced a number of small initiatives to increase municipalities’ motivation to take part in the campaign. This included creating a local award for municipalities that participate, as well as providing free promotional materials and a practical guide for municipalities in Greek.

Each year, we aim to expand engagement by supporting cities in developing initiatives that promote sustainable mobility and raise awareness among individuals and wider communities. I also make a point of staying in close contact with our local network, which includes coordinators across municipalities throughout Cyprus. 

Limassol was a finalist for the 2025 EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award. What made its campaign stand out? 

Firstly, it was fantastic to see a city from Cyprus acknowledged in this way. I am very proud that the effort at the local level is paying off. For the first time since I became National Coordinator, we now have a finalist from Cyprus, something many may have thought was not possible. It shows that if Limassol can do it, then the rest of the country can too.

I think Limassol’s campaign stood out because of its strong commitment to community involvement, especially through strong collaboration with NGOs, citizens and schools. Our free promotional materials, such as reflective vests for children, were very well received and helped engage younger participants, which is key.  

The city also delivered a strong communication campaign, including a widely shared video, and organised a successful car-free day with a diverse programme of activities. This was supported by permanent measures such as improvements to cycling and walking infrastructure, ensuring positive change to people’s daily lives beyond the campaign week.

What are some of the main challenges cities in Cyprus face when promoting sustainable mobility? 

One of the main challenges is that Cyprus is still very car-centric, with urban planning for many years focused primarily on private vehicles. This makes it difficult to shift long-established travel habits and cultural behaviour away from car use.

There is also still a lot that needs to be improved to make cities like Limassol and Cyprus more sustainable in terms of urban mobility. While there is growing awareness, change takes time and there can be some resistance, as in any city or country. Awareness campaigns like EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK are therefore essential in helping people understand the benefits of these changes and to show that a shift towards more sustainable transport systems is possible. 

How is Cyprus using its current EU Presidency to highlight sustainable mobility? 

Holding the EU Presidency provides an important opportunity to bring greater attention to road safety and the sustainable development of road transport. Cyprus is using this platform to promote dialogue, share good practice and encourage collaboration between countries.

We have many events planned, such as the Climate Neutral Blue Cities by 2030 conference, held under the auspices of the Cyprus Presidency in late March, as well as hosting the High-Level Group on Road Safety the same month. 

What are your hopes for the future of sustainable mobility in Cyprus? 

The future goal is to see far more people walking and cycling in Cyprus. Ideally, alternative ways of moving around to cars will become normalised. This will require better infrastructure, more shade from trees and more pleasant public spaces. Low speed zones are being put in place, which are already a great first step towards this more balanced system. When these changes become visible in daily life, people can start to imagine them as realistic options for themselves as well. 
 

Vana Gkania works closely with municipalities and stakeholders across Cyprus to promote sustainable urban mobility and support participation in EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK.  

Learn more about the campaign activities in Cyprus on the national website, here. 
 

On 17 March, Riga (Latvia) and the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen – South Tyrol (Italy) were announced as the winners of the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award and the MOBILITYACTION Award respectively, during an award ceremony organised by the European Commission in Brussels. The awards recognised their outstanding activities carried out in 2025 to promote sustainable urban mobility.

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, highlighted the importance of people-centred mobility:

“Mobility can be fair, inclusive and truly people-centred. When cities and regions put citizens first, transport becomes more than just a way to move. It connects communities and improves everyday life. This is the future we want for transport in Europe, more sustainable and accessible for everyone.”

Riga (Latvia) received the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award for its creative and inclusive approach to promoting active mobility during the campaign. The city combined educational initiatives with engaging public activities, including temporary pedestrian zones, the ‘Tweed Ride’ featuring vintage bicycles, Zumba classes for public transport users and the ‘Riga Rolls’ campaign, which rewarded walking, cycling and rollerblading.

Schools, families and local residents took part in step challenges and mobility competitions, while conferences and workshops brought together professionals to discuss cycling culture and urban planning. These actions were complemented by long-term measures, including new cycling infrastructure and the introduction of 30 km/h zones, reinforcing the city’s commitment to safer and more people-centred streets.

The two other finalists were Innsbruck (Austria) and Limassol (Cyprus).

The Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen – South Tyrol (Italy) was awarded the MOBILITYACTION Award for successfully integrating sustainable mobility into the tourism experience. Its Südtirol Alto Adige Guest Pass, available through participating accommodation providers, offers visitors unlimited access to regional trains, buses, shuttles and selected cable cars.

The initiative encourages visitors to travel without private cars, supporting both rural and urban mobility while strengthening public transport systems. By making sustainable transport the default option, it helps reduce congestion, lower emissions and promote shared mobility, benefiting both visitors and local communities.

The two other finalists were Eskişehirspor Kulübü (Turkey) and SiciliaFiera (Italy).

In addition to the two award winners, the city of Braga (Portugal) received a special mention from the jury, recognising its continued commitment to sustainable urban mobility. A EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award winner in 2022, Braga has consistently demonstrated innovation and dedication in promoting walking, cycling and shared transport, alongside implementing measures that benefit both residents and visitors.

Speeches during the ceremony focused not only on the winners and finalists, but also on all participating cities, organisations and initiatives that contributed to the success of the 2025 campaign, highlighting their collective efforts to promote safer, greener and more accessible mobility across Europe.

Six finalists have been named for the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award and the MOBILITYACTION Award. Both awards celebrate initiatives from 2025 that raised awareness of sustainable urban mobility and mobility management plans, under the theme Mobility for Everyone. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony hosted by the European Commission in Brussels on 17 March.

The nominees for the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award 2025 are:

Innsbruck (Austria) for its community-led approach to reducing car use and reclaiming street space during EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK. The city opened the week by turning a residential street into a car-free neighbourhood, combining pop-up cafés, a farmers’ market and open discussions on fair allocation of road space. Activities throughout the week promoted shared travel, walking and cycling, with strong participation from schools, families, local businesses and young people. From cargo bike deliveries and safety campaigns near schools to youth street activities and the ‘Kidical Mass’ family ride, Innsbruck demonstrated how people-centred streets can support everyday mobility while strengthening neighbourhood communities.

Limassol (Cyprus) for its creative and inclusive approach to sustainable mobility during EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK. The city transformed Ankara Street and Castle Square into a 6,000 m² car-free space, hosting activities from family rides and painting projects to inclusive sports and mobility treasure hunts. The launch of the ‘Aktea Pedestrian and Cycling Corridor’ improved coastal connectivity and created a shaded public area, linking temporary interventions with lasting urban change. Children, families, people with disabilities and local associations participated actively, highlighting how mobility can reconnect people with their city while fostering social interaction. 

Riga (Latvia) for promoting active and sustainable mobility through a mix of fun and educational activities. Alongside temporary pedestrian zones, the city hosted the ‘Tweed Ride’ with elegantly outfitted riders on vintage bicycles, Zumba classes for public transport users and the ‘Riga Rolls’ campaign rewarding walkers, cyclists and rollerbladers. Schools, families and local residents joined step challenges and mobility competitions, while conferences and workshops engaged professionals on cycling culture and urban planning. Additionally, permanent measures with new bicycle infrastructure and 30 km/h zones reinforced Riga’s commitment to safer, more people-centred streets. 

The nominees for the MOBILITYACTION Award 2025 are:

Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol (Italy) for embedding sustainable mobility into the tourism experience. The Südtirol Alto Adige Guest Pass, included in nearly all tourist stays, offers unlimited access to trains, buses, shuttles and selected cable cars, encouraging visitors to leave their cars behind. The initiative supports rural and urban mobility, strengthens public transport and engages accommodation providers as partners in promoting car-free travel. By making sustainable transport the default option, it reduces congestion, lowers emissions and fosters a culture of shared mobility, beneficial to both visitors and local communities. 

Eskişehirspor Kulübü (Türkiye) for transforming sports passion into sustainable mobility action. The ‘ETi Yellow Bike Match Day’ encouraged fans, families and local residents to cycle, walk or use public transport to attend the football match, supported by free shared bicycles, bus access and giveaways. The campaign engaged local institutions, the football club and its fan groups to make sustainable travel exciting and socially desirable. By linking mobility with community pride and cultural identity, it promoted healthy, low-carbon transport while strengthening intergenerational connections in the city. 

SiciliaFiera (Italy) for putting young people at the centre of sustainable mobility. As part of the HEYSUN Expo, Mobility Days offered students and the public hands-on experience of cycling, micromobility, road safety and public transport. Over three days, more than 1,000 students tested safe travel options while institutions and local partners shared best practice examples and discussed sustainable mobility strategies. The initiative demonstrates how education, community engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration can foster accessible, inclusive and environmentally-friendly transport habits. 

The EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK Award acknowledges excellence by municipalities in promoting sustainable urban mobility during the campaign’s main week of 16-22 September. 

The MOBILITYACTION Award acknowledges excellence in mobility management planning solutions submitted by businesses, institutions, civil society organisations or citizen initiatives. 

The shortlisted candidates were selected by an independent panel of mobility and transport experts. The two winners will be announced during an award ceremony at Vaudeville Theatre in Brussels on 17 March 2026.

During the recent National Coordinator’s meeting in Prague, EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK had the chance to sit down with Kateřina Machová Ondřejová and Blanka Klimešová from the organisation Pěšky městem. The initiative was recognised with the 2024 MOBILITYACTION Award for its "Walk to School" challenge, encouraging active mobility for children across the Czech Republic on their trips to school.

In this interview, they share insights into how the challenge works, the impact it has had on local communities, and the strategies they use to promote safe, enjoyable, and sustainable mobility for children.

Congratulations on winning the MOBILITY ACTION Award! Could you briefly introduce Pěšky městem and explain what inspired the initiative?

Blanka: Our organisation is dedicated to supporting pedestrians and giving a voice to groups that often remain unheard - particularly children and seniors. We want cities where everyone can move safely and independently. Much of our work focuses on strengthening communities and helping improve communication between residents, schools and public authorities.

A large part of our mission centres on children, because we see how little time they spend outdoors today. We want them to feel confident in the city, able to move around without fear, and included in public space. For that reason, we partner closely with schools, helping them improve safety around their buildings and making the surrounding areas calmer, more pleasant and more liveable. Sometimes this involves infrastructure proposals; other times it’s about education and encouraging active mobility.

Kateřina: One of our main initiatives is the "Walk to School" challenge and we are especially proud to have received this recognition from EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK for our efforts. We launched it in 2017 as a motivational effort to encourage active journeys to school. It has grown enormously - more than 500 schools now participate - and their creativity and enthusiasm really elevate the project.

Our work engages children, their parents, teachers and the wider community. Walking has so many benefits: physical health, mental health, environmental impact and stronger social connections. The challenge helps people, particularly parents and teachers, see those benefits in practice. It also includes a creative and educational dimension: children prepare small projects on mobility and public space and even communicate with authorities and police, learning how to engage with decision-makers and advocate for change.

What has been the impact of your initiatives on local communities? Have you noticed changes in behaviour or attitudes toward walking and sustainable travel?

Blanka: One of the biggest impacts is simply bringing these issues into public conversation. The safety of children and the value of active mobility are being discussed more openly. We’ve seen a shift away from the idea that children alone are responsible for staying safe through wearing visibility vests or taking other precautions. Instead, people are starting to acknowledge that driver behaviour and street design play a central role.

Kateřina: Many parents were used to a very car-oriented routine around schools. When we highlight the needs of children - how they move and what helps them feel secure - it changes perspectives. They begin to see that walking to school is not as risky or complicated as they once assumed. In fact, they often realise children enjoy it. We’ve heard from many parents who tried walking during the challenge and continued because the experience was better than they expected. These may be small steps, but they lead to long-term change. Around many participating schools, we’ve already seen slight shifts in how people travel.

Many challenge participants work with limited resources. What advice would you offer to other cities or organisations hoping to start a similar initiative?

Blanka: The most important thing is to build on the needs that already exist. Schools have been observing these problems for years. They see on a daily basis how children are affected by traffic and unsafe surroundings. The desire for improvement is already there; what we do is amplify their voice and provide structure. Being part of a national movement also helps schools feel they are not alone in their efforts.

Kateřina: We try to equip schools with practical tools. We provide educational materials for parents and teachers, worksheets and guidance on activities that can be done on different budgets. But honestly, what makes the challenge successful is the energy and enthusiasm of the schools themselves. When they embrace the project creatively, it becomes a true community movement.

Engaging the local community in mobility initiatives can be challenging. How do you involve people and encourage them to participate?

Blanka: Changing mobility habits is extremely difficult. Car use is a strong habit - almost like a form of addiction. To shift behaviour, people need positive emotional experiences. We encourage schools to organise pleasant activities such as breakfast events, music performances, or community gatherings in front of the school. When people associate walking or cycling with joy, it becomes easier for them to adopt those habits and accept the work we are doing.

Kateřina: One principle we follow is staying positive. We don’t focus on frightening statistics or accident rates. Instead, we highlight the positive experiences that active mobility brings. This year, our motto was "Schools as the heart of the neighbourhood", emphasising the importance of schools as community hubs. We also use a “pedestrian diary” for children, where they can tick off animals, people or objects they notice on their way to school. It encourages mindfulness, observation skills and a stronger connection with their surroundings and nature.

What strategies have helped you demonstrate the potential of more people-friendly streets?

Kateřina: Tactical urbanism, such as our "asphalt art" outside schools, has been a powerful tool for us, with these temporary interventions highlighting what is possible. Removing a few parking spaces and adding benches or greenery can completely change how people experience a street. It’s visual, immediate and effective in sparking discussions. We want streets to be seen as not just places of movement, but also as places for meeting, playing, and living.

Blanka: Many schools have gone even further than we anticipated. They’ve installed bike racks, tested school streets, or tried new forms of traffic calming. Our main challenge now is convincing public authorities to make these changes permanent. That requires a deeper shift in mindset - seeing school surroundings as protected zones where children’s safety and quality of life come first. Encouraging that broader view is our biggest long-term challenge, but we’re fully committed to it.

Looking ahead, what are your priorities for the future of Pěšky městem?

Kateřina: Our focus is clear: safer streets and more liveable neighbourhoods. We want fewer cars around schools and more space for people. Ultimately, our dream is simple but profound - to restore children’s independence in public space. We want children to be able to walk, cycle and move around their neighbourhoods freely, confidently and without fear. If we can help cities take steady steps toward that future, then we will have succeeded.

To find out more about Pěšky městem visit their website here or follow them on their Facebook or Instagram page.