Brussels, 22/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - During Green Week 2002, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Margot Wallström, and supporting international organisations and associations decided to organise a European Mobility Week in September 2002.
During the week, various organisations will demonstrate the benefits of sustainable means of transport and of policies which take better account of citizen's needs in terms of air quality, reduction of noise and quality of life. Events dedicated to the promotion of public transport will start on 16 September, followed by the promotion of bicycle use on 18 September. Friday 20 September will be devoted to the mobility needs of children and families, both in urban areas under the motto "Living streets" and in rural areas -"Greenways". This new scheme should enable citizens to try other means of transport and encourage discussion on the development of sustainable transport and urban planning. It also allows city councils and businesses to test new transport initiatives, such as pedestrian areas, electric vehicles for goods delivery, bicycle networks and shuttle buses. On European Car Free Day, Sunday 22 September, car-free areas in town centres will be established in some 30 European countries. This will enable citizens to discover their hometown on foot, by bike or public transport, and to test new low emission vehicles. The Commission estimates that 100 million citizens from 30 countries took part in the event last year.