European Mobility Week 2024 in the Małopolska region

The next edition of European Mobility Week was celebrated from 16 to 22 September 2024. The campaign was conceived by the European Commission. The campaign aims to raise awareness of sustainable mobility, air protection and the development of eco-friendly habits.

A journey for just one zloty

Małopolska Railways prepared an offer for travellers in the form of special tickets – the ‘Małopolska car-free day ticket’. On 22 September passengers travelled without restrictions on Małopolska Railways trains and Małopolska Bus Lines buses for a symbolic zloty.

At the end of European Mobility Week, on 22 September, a ‘European Car Free Day’ was organised in many towns and cities. The example of Krakow and Tarnów, where free public transport was in force, was followed by other towns and cities, such as: Brzesko and Limanowa.

Municipalities in Małopolska focus on ecology

As every year, the municipalities of Malopolska joined the European Mobility Week celebrations in large numbers. Numerous competitions and workshops were organised in many municipalities.

European Mobility Week 2024 in Małopolska was a success, involving both large cities and smaller municipalities in numerous pro-ecological initiatives. Joint activities such as free public transport, competitions, educational classes in schools and various events promoting active transport helped to raise awareness of sustainable mobility. Once again the municipalities of Małopolska have proven that environmental protection and care for the health of residents can go hand in hand with creative transport solutions, setting a positive example for the future. – summarised Deputy Marshal Ryszard Pagacz.

Myślenice – On 16-17 September, municipal eco-advisers conducted educational classes in four primary schools. The lessons were aimed at classes IV-VI and were attended by a total of 339 pupils and 16 teachers.

Krakow – the city has prepared a range of attractions for big and small.

• The Krakow Centre for Climate Education organised lectures.
• As part of the Great Ecology Lesson, an outdoor event for whole families was organised at Tauron Arena Krakow.

• Municipal Transport Company organised a parade of trams
• Cyclists could check the technical condition of their bicycles during free bicycle checks

Niepołomice – the municipality has taken part in a campaign to promote road safety, especially around primary schools.
As part of the Cities@Heart project, in cooperation with the Krakow Metropolis Association, a pilot campaign was launched to change the organisation of traffic around Primary School No. 1. The rearrangement of the area includes, among other things, systematising the way cars stopping and parking in front of the school and organising safe places for walkers. The aim of the pilot is not only to improve safety, but also to promote environmentally friendly forms of transport such as bicycles, scooters and walking.

Skawina – the municipality organised a number of educational activities:

• 4th Festival of Walking – Skawina Municipal Transport ride and walking march from Ochoda to Skawina together with the WALKirie-Kiev group – route approx. 9km

• Bike ride through the streets of Skawina ‘Skawina critical mass’ – organised by ‘Bicycle Skawina’.

• Film screening at the Municipal Public Library – related to sustainable forms of transport and the promotion of active mobility.
• ‘Tracing mobility in Skawina: Historical points on the city map’ – a unique historical walk in the footsteps of places related to mobility. Start of the walk in the Skawina Market Square.
• Special line S0 – operated by historic rolling stock of Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacyjne Kraków. A free trip with commemorative tickets on the route Skawina SCK – Skawina Korabniki.
• The ‘Step by Step – Walking Challenge’ competition. The competition will consist in counting steps and taking as many as possible.

Kościelisko – a competition for primary school children and a competition entitled ‘By bike, scooter and on foot through the Kościelisko Municipality – capture yourself in the lens’ were organised.

The European Mobility Week has become a permanent fixture in the calendar of Malopolska’s local authorities, so see you next year.