Sustainable transport trailblazers named in Europe’s top mobility awards

October 4, 2019   |   Graz, Austria

IMAGE: Stadt Graz / Schiffer

Meanwhile, Antwerp scooped the “Citizen and Stakeholder Engagement” award, leading the pack with its public-private collaboration, smart use of data and progressive public communications. Through its Smart Ways to Antwerp brand, it is raising awareness, supporting the development of innovative mobility solutions, and driving real behavioural change.

Koen Kennis, Antwerp’s Alderman for Mobility, commented: "The City of Antwerp has united all stakeholders and partners behind an ambitious project that is not only solving existing traffic problems, but also changing the way the city looks, feels, moves and lives. Receiving this award for Smart Ways to Antwerp is truly an honour.”

Already at the vanguard of clean mobility, Stockholm triumphed with the CIVITAS “Legacy” award – with big steps on low and zero-emission vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, and safe walking and cycling paths for citizens. All this forms part of the city’s “clean mobility package”. The Swedish capital’s CIVITAS story began in 2002 with the TRENDSETTER project, whilst it is currently part of the ECCENTRIC demonstration project.

”We are delighted and proud to receive the CIVITAS Legacy Award”, commented Eva Sunnerstedt, Manager, Clean Vehicles in Stockholm, City of Stockholm. “It recognises 25 years of dedicated work to reduce air pollution, cut greenhouse gas emissions and enable travel by sustainable modes. The European cooperation that CIVITAS facilitates helps improve local processes, test new ideas and learn from others.”

IMAGE: Stadt Graz / Schiffer

Bremen took home the final prize, the “Transformation” award, after impressive efforts to reduce car use through car sharing and integrated public transport and by offering alternatives to car ownership. In 2009, Bremen adopted the world’s first Car-Sharing Action Plan and 80% of car-sharing users own no car. Bremen has also become a true cycling city. A 2019 German Cycling Federation survey named it Germany’s most cycle-friendly city: over 4,000 safe cycling parking spaces and a network of premium cycling routes have been added in recent years.

Dr Maike Schaefer, Minister for Climate Protection, Environment, Mobility, Urban and Housing Development, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, said: “The way Bremen combines car sharing with a host of alternatives travel modes to cars is special. Over 5,000 people have already got rid of their cars, whilst reclaimed street space makes the city more liveable. We are thrilled that CIVITAS has recognised our achievements.”

The plaudits in Graz also went to the Serbian town of Kruševac, named runner-up in multiple categories. The town is firmly on Europe’s sustainable mobility radar, thanks in part to new cycling infrastructure and the redesign of multiple public spaces.

Aside from the “Transformation” award, whose winner was chosen by the CIVITAS Political Advisory Committee, all winners were selected by a five-person jury made up of prominent local politicians and renowned mobility experts.

The clutch of success stories at this year’s Awards were warmly welcomed by Herald Ruijters, Director, Directorate General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission.

“These inspiring successes show that Europe can lead the way with bold, ambitious action in sustainable mobility and clean transport. Sustainable mobility of course means reducing carbon emissions and at the same time creating new business opportunities for our industries”, he said.

“But most of all, sustainable mobility implies that Europe is home to people who can move and connect in a high-quality environment in a manner of their choosing. These stories from around Europe show that we want that quality of life for everyone.”