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.

This year’s EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK saw Estonia having its most successful campaign yet, with nine cities participating. Following this, we spoke with Triinu Tirmaste and Merlin Rehema, the National Coordinators there, to learn a bit more about their activities and experiences.

In this interview, they discuss their personal journeys in mobility, share highlights from this year’s campaign and outline their priorities for expanding and improving EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK in Estonia in the years to come.

Could you tell us about your backgrounds and how you became involved in EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK?

Triinu: I’m originally from a small town called Viljandi. Even as a child, walking or cycling everywhere, whether to school, the store, or sports practice, was completely normal for me. When I moved to Tallinn for university, I noticed that many people preferred cars, which made me curious about transport habits. I studied logistics and transport planning, focusing on sustainable mobility later in my studies, and then worked for seven years as a public transport specialist for Tallinn City Government. Almost two years ago, I joined the Ministry of Climate, which allows me to look at mobility from a national and European perspective. Coordinating EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK has been one of the most inspiring parts of my work.

Merlin: I’m from Tartu, another city where walking was part of everyday life. My background is in environmental protection and urban management, focusing on liveable cities and sustainable mobility. I’ve been involved in mobility studies and urban planning for over a decade. Before joining the Ministry this year, I participated in EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK activities from the city level, which gave me great insight into how the campaign works on the ground. Being able to coordinate nationally is exciting because it bridges local and national efforts, creating a real feedback loop.

You share the role of national coordinators - how does this partnership work in practice?

Triinu: I see many advantages. I like to discuss ideas before taking action, and having Merlin alongside me doubles the ideas and perspectives we bring.

Merlin: Exactly. Our slightly different backgrounds give us different strengths. It means we can cover more ground, divide responsibilities during busy periods and ensure there’s always someone available to focus on EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK. It’s a really complementary partnership.

How would you reflect on this year’s campaign in Estonia? Were there any highlights?

Triinu: It was a fantastic year. We had nine participating municipalities, which is a new record. Tartu and Pärnu stood out for planning full weeks of activities. Tartu included walking tours with cultural elements, while Pärnu focused on children - engaging schools directly. A real highlight for me was the small municipality of Tapa. They organised activities for every school and kindergarten in the area, from helmet checks to traffic and railway safety lessons, and even bicycle rides. Their initiative was completely self-driven, showing that even small towns can have a big impact.

Merlin: It was inspiring to see cities take ownership. Even without much direct guidance from us, local coordinators were motivated and creative. This shows the importance of having passionate individuals in the right roles. One motivated person can really drive engagement across a city or municipality.

How do you engage cities and municipalities to participate, and are there differences between larger and smaller places?

Triinu: Each spring we host an online information session, inviting all municipalities to join. After that, we stay in touch with those who express interest. Often, participation starts simply with willingness and then enthusiasm grows from there.

Merlin: In smaller municipalities, first-time participants may start cautiously with just one or two activities, which is fine. Larger cities sometimes struggle with complex activities, like car-free days. But overall, motivation and resource allocation matter more than size. The right people in the right positions can make participation happen, regardless of city size.

Mobility Week 2025’s theme was ‘Mobility for Everyone.’ How was this reflected in activities across Estonia?

Triinu: While not all municipalities explicitly communicated the theme, many activities naturally aligned with it. Some offered free public transport during EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK or a Car-Free Day, and others implemented shared space solutions.

Merlin: The concept of ‘Mobility for Everyone’, at least within Estonia, is still relatively new. Activities often focused on children, one of the most important user groups. Even simple initiatives can demonstrate inclusivity, and many cities approached it in ways that improved mobility options for all residents.

Looking ahead, what are your priorities and goals for next year’s Mobility Week in Estonia?

Triinu: Our main goal is to involve even more municipalities and organisations, aiming to reach at least ten participants next year.

Merlin: I’d like to focus on including smaller and more remote municipalities. Simple, easy-to-implement activities can still make a big difference and we want to help municipalities showcase improvements made throughout the year, such as new cycling lanes or public transport adjustments. EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK doesn’t have to be about large-scale events and activities - small, thoughtful actions can also have a lasting impact.

Triinu Tirmaste and Merlin Rehema work for Estonia’s Ministry of Climate, where they focus on sustainable mobility and urban planning. Triinu has been the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK National Coordinator for Estonia since 2023, while Merlin started in this role earlier this year.

Learn more about EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK in Estonia on the national website, here.