From 16 to 22 September, European Mobility Week (SEM) 2021 was held, with the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (Miteco) as the national coordinator. This edition addressed the theme of sustainable, healthy and safe mobility, under the slogan ‘Move for your health, move in a sustainable way’.

European Mobility Week is a European Commission campaign aimed at raising awareness among politicians and citizens about the negative effects of irrational car use in the city on public health and the environment, as well as the benefits of using more sustainable modes (such as public transport and cycling).

In addition, on September 22, 'Car Free Day!' the event was held, born from this European initiative. The aim is to find new solutions to the problems associated with increasing traffic in cities.

Sustainable, healthy and safe mobility

Under the motto ‘Move for your health in a sustainable way’, the 2021 edition focused on the European Commission on ways to move in a sustainable, safe and sustainable way in the city, as well as in physical and mental health.

To address these issues, Miteco held a webinar on 16 September, in which the Spanish Week of Sustainable Mobility 2020 and 2021 was held. The conference was divided into four blocks: sectoral policies on mobility; Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan; civil society: mobility and childhood; and successful experiences.

Environment

The urban environment embraces sustainability and livability. Smart cities are committed to the environment, promoting innovation and sustainability in the same way. This is why they are distinguished by minimizing pollution and waste generation, while responsibly managing natural resources such as water, and opting for renewable energy from non-fossil sources. Aspects such as biodiversity and green spaces are also considered to improve the environment in cities.

One of the main environmental challenges today is air quality, which requires sustainable development to drastically reduce CO2 emissions and control the number of greenhouse gas (GHG) particles, in which urban mobility plays a key role. For its part, water needs more efficient and controlled management to achieve significant savings.

The use of renewable energy also helps to make cities more sustainable and livable. In terms of waste generation, proper recycling, the circular economy and the introduction of improvements in collection and treatment are key. Finally, the integration of vegetation, the availability of green spaces and biodiversity are essential for the well-being and health of the urban population.

Urban mobility

Urban mobility is a set of movements that take place in a city, both in terms of people and goods, with the aim of walking the distance that separates one place from another. Using means of transport, urban mobility is often classified into public and private transport. Movements in cities can be non-motorized, such as pedestrians, bicycles, skateboards, skateboards, etc., or motorcycles, cars, vans, trailers, buses, trams, subways, etc.