This year’s European Mobility Week is taking place from the 16th to the 22nd of September, and coincides with World Car Free Day, with the aim of promoting sustainable transportation options.

The Ministry for Transport, together with Transport Malta, explained that one of the key focuses of this year’s campaign is the expansion of pedestrianised zones in urban village cores and the introduction and promotion of cycle lanes in towns and villages.

To encourage active participation, two competitions have been announced for Local Councils, NGOs, and consortiums:

1) Competition for Permanent Sustainable Mobility Measures: With a budget of €110,000, this competition offers a substantial opportunity for applicants. The winner will receive €50,000, while the 1st and 2nd runners-up will be awarded €30,000 each.

The campaign gives localities the chance to explore the role of their respective streets and possibly implement practical solutions to tackle issues related to urban challenges, such as traffic congestion, air pollution and lack of accessibility in urban village cores.

This campaign also enables localities to focus on the increase of pedestrianised zones in urban village cores as well as the introduction and promotion of cycle lanes in the respective town/village.

2) Competition for Small Events and Activities: This competition provides various grant options based on the nature and scale of the organised events. Successful applicants can receive a cash grant of €1,500 for organising a Car Free Day, €2,000 for coordinating a week of activities during European Mobility Week, and €2,500 for planning both a Car Free Day and a Week of Activities.

The organisers said that these initiatives aim to encourage local communities, local councils, and NGOs to actively participate in promoting sustainable mobility and reducing car dependency.

By increasing pedestrian zones and implementing cycle lanes, the campaign strives to create safer and more accessible urban environments while reducing traffic congestion and emissions.

Minister Aaron Farrugia commended these initiatives and explained the significance behind them.

“Through these schemes, we can develop tangible infrastructure for the people in urban areas where people work and live. I look forward to seeing interesting proposals put forward and in turn, projects come to fruition. These schemes go hand in hand with our plan to give back to the people areas which are not entirely dominated by excessive vehicle use,” said Minister Farrugia.

To compliment the above, Transport Malta will also be organising a National Bicycle Ride in order to generate awareness regarding the importance of cycling as an alternate mode of transport as well as its health benefits.

Moreover, a Cycling Course targeting current and aspiring road engineers, architects and other interested parties focusing on good practices in shared road designs will be organised by Transport Malta. The course includes actual application on Maltese roads.

An educational booklet on Sustainable Mobility and Road Safety will be distributed to all students in Year 11 of all state, independent and church schools.

As in previous years, Transport Malta will collaborate with Nature Trust to support the development of Green Travel Plans in schools to encourage, promote and support active travel in educational institutions targeting both teachers and students.

For additional details about the European Mobility Week 2023 initiatives, visit the Transport Malta website.

Two online information sessions will be organised online on Wednesday, the 19th of July at 9.00am and on Monday, the 24th of July at 10:00am.

Interested parties are kindly requested to register their interest by sending an email on sustainablemobility.tm@transport.gov.mt.

File photo Gozo News

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