Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1525176
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 11 AUGUST 2024 Transport Malta proudly supports EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK 2024, an initiative promoting sustainable urban transport solutions. This campaign encourages a shift in commuting habits towards healthier options such as walking and cycling, aiming for a cleaner, more sustainable urban environment. EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK runs from September 16th to 22nd, but the EU Commission extends its impact throughout the year with the MOBILITY ACTION label. This extension allows communities to explore and implement practical solutions to urban challenges like traffic congestion, air pollution, and accessibility issues year-round. Local Councils and NGOs are encouraged to pilot innovative mobility measures during this week and gather feedback from residents. This period is also an excellent opportunity for local stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable mobility and air quality solutions, reduce car usage, and test new technologies and planning strategies. To facilitate participation, Transport Malta, in collaboration with the Local Councils Association, offers two annual support packages. These packages include the Package for Permanent Sustainable Mobility Measures and the Package for EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK Small Events and Activities. Additionally, an Open Call for Partnerships with Schools Initiative aims to engage educational institutions in promoting sustainable transport. With over 70% of Europeans living in urban areas, the 2024 theme, "Shared Public Space," emphasises the importance of communal spaces. These spaces enhance social equity, road safety, and overall quality of life. The campaign underscores the need to prioritise vulnerable road users, who account for 70% of urban road fatalities, by creating dedicated infrastructure and traffic rules for pedestrians and cyclists. One of the key initiatives for 2024 involves experiencing public space in a different way. This includes educating the public on various transport options like asset sharing (bicycles, cars, e-scooters), cargo bikes, public transport, and walking. Encouraging public authority staff and city contractors to use sustainable transport is also emphasised. The initiative focuses on respect and protection for vulnerable road users and evolving public spaces to prioritise sustainable mobility. Redeveloping urban space together involves involving the local community in urban space redevelopment to meet the needs of all transport modes and users, including those with disabilities. Engaging the community from the start of planning processes is crucial for success. Creating safe school streets is another important initiative. This involves creating safe routes around schools to support pedestrian, cyclist, and public transport access. Educating parents and childcare providers on reducing traffic around schools and promoting walking and cycling to school helps promote a safer and more active community. Planning and designing safer streets means ensuring accessibility for all users, including families and people with disabilities. Implementing successful road safety policies from other countries and enforcing parking rules are essential measures. Balancing road space allocation to support active transport and supporting neighbourhood initiatives to reduce speeds and create safe cycle routes are also important for enhancing road safety and promoting sustainable transport. Transport Malta invites all local councils, NGOs, and residents to join this vital campaign to create more sustainable, accessible, and healthier urban environments. For more information on how to participate, please visit www.mobilityweek.eu/campaign-resources/. Together, we can make a lasting impact on our cities and communities. Embracing Sustainable Urban Transport: EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK 2024 16-22 SEPTEMBER