The City of Ostrava will join the European Mobility Week (EMW), a campaign to promote sustainable forms of transport, the city council has decided. The campaign has been held since 2002 between 16 and 22 September. Its peak is the European Car Free Day, which falls on the last day of the mobility week. This year’s EMW topic is shared, clean and intelligent mobility.
The campaign aims to inform about the benefits of sharing means of transport with other residents or employees of companies and to motivate them to use alternative and active forms of transport such as bicycle or walking. Alternatives not only reduce air pollution in cities but also help prevent health problems associated with passive lifestyles. Combined with shared transport, they have a great potential to improve the urban environment.
“On the occasion of the European Mobility Week, we have prepared, beyond the scope of the range of activities organized by the Ostrava City Library branches for those interested, diverse events reflecting the topic of clean transport,” said Deputy Mayor Kateřina Šebestová, responsible for the environment.
On Saturday, 16 September, people interested in the EMW campaign can learn more about the event “Ostrava, a different experience”. The City of Ostrava has prepared an accompanying programme about transport for visitors. There will also be exhibited environmental information panels. Those who set out for Mošnov airport on NATO Days and Czech Air Force Days can choose clean and safe bicycle transport to Poodří – bicycle safekeeping at the event is secured for free by Ostrava City Police. People staying in Ostrava on Sunday and coming to see the town hall tower by bike can make use of the discount on the ticket for cyclists – the stands and supervision of the city police will be provided. On Tuesday and Thursday, from 5 pm, visitors can take part in a walk through natural attractions to Silesian Ostrava Castle and along the Lučina River. On Friday, we have prepared a cycle trip with commentary to the confluence of the rivers Odra and Ostravice in Landek. This also starts at 5 pm at the New Town Hall in Prokešovo square.
To work by bike even in September
On the occasion of the EMW, it is possible to take part in the event called “To Work by Bike”, from Monday 18 to Friday 22 September.
“For the staff of the municipality who come to work by bike or scooter this week, we have prepared a temporary cycle store. We have a small healthy snack for them and on Friday they can have a free-of-charge service for their bike. I hope we will be successful in promoting cycling to and from work as an active way of moving in our Town Hall and that other organizations and companies in Ostrava will join us”, said Deputy Mayor Šebestová. “My great wish is to build a decent sheltered and secure cycle store in the town hall for employees, which will be equipped with changing rooms, showers and a small service corner” added Deputy Mayor K. Šebestová.