The city launched a three year programme ‘Streets for People’ (2007-2009) that will work towards making the city totally accessible, promoting new alternative fuels for public transport vehicles and reallocating road space to non-motorised traffic. The Town Councillor of the city received the Award from the Commissioner in charge of the Environment, Mr. Stavros Dimas, who thanked Helena Hecimovic for its commitment and work.
The City of Koprivnica has been active in EMW since 2002. This year again, the city showed its great commitment to achieving sustainable mobility by launching a three year programme ‘Streets for People’ (2007-2009) that aims to make the city 100% accessible for all, to reallocate 1.5 km of roads in the centre to non-motorised traffic and to promote walking and public transport running on bio-diesel. The city also aims to engage the national and regional networks into more ambitious projects towards sustainable urban traffic.
The jury members were impressed by the comprehensive action plan developed by the city, including activities on all key transport themes: bicycle, responsible car use, public transport, green spaces and mobility and health. The bicycle trainings, the road safety promotion and the educational activities were attended by many citizens with an active participation of youngsters who took out the challenge to relay the information received to their parents and to influence their travel behaviours.
The city of Koprivnica achieved a number of its sustainable public traffic aims thanks to the six editions of EMW: run a traffic sustainability programme called ‘Town on the Move’, build 64 km of cycle tracks as well as 84.5 km of long cycle tourist tracks, enlarge green spaces by 20%, involve several dozens of partners in the year-long promotion of cycling and walking. Thanks to its long-term efforts, cycling has become a brand in the city. EMW helped the city in showcasing its achievements in sustainable mobility in its wider international region and Koprivnica has become an example for its neighbouring cities that are now following the same path.
Background information
The European Mobility Week started in 2002 and aims at encouraging citizens to change their travel behaviour and shift to more sustainable modes of transport. From 16 to 22 September, local authorities all over Europe and beyond are organising activities and launching permanent measures which will continue to exist after the Week is over. The European Mobility Week, therefore, provides a unique opportunity to test and launch new sustainable transport measures that become permanent after the Week has ended. This ensures long-term effects of the campaign, going beyond the duration of the Week.
Year after year, step-by-step, sustainable mobility will secure its place in cities and towns. This year, the local authorities participating in the initiative are strongly encouraged to reallocate some road space to non-motorised traffic as well as to create and enlarge social spaces where people can meet, shop, do sports and enjoy other outdoor activities.
European Mobility Week (EMW) is an initiative coordinated by the three European city networks, Eurocities, Energie-Cités and Climate Alliance, with the support of the European Commission (DG Environment).
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