Travel Smarter, Live Better

Health and mobility are the overall topics of the European Mobility Week 2010 with “Travel Smarter, Live Better” as its focal theme. The massive increases in motor vehicle traffic over recent years, especially in our cities, has led to a strong public reaction against the noise, air pollutants and congestion that result; vulnerable groups such as children and elderly people in particular suffer the worst consequences. Road traffic injuries directly affect hundreds of thousands of people in the EU through accidents and kill tens of thousands of European citizens. Indirectly, motorised transport has an impact on both our respiratory and cardiovascular systems and causes stress; the latter again influences our health.

However, there are far more aspects responsible for our well-being. Scientific studies clearly show that regular physical activity is key to our health and eases stress. Despite this, inactivity is becoming more and more widespread in Europe. Increased car usage and worsening conditions for physical activity are seen to be the main reasons for more sedentary, inactive ways of life and are also linked with obesity. Walking and cycling as sustainable modes of transport can play an important role in promoting daily physical activity, as non-motorised movement allows for regular activity that can easily be incorporated into the daily routine at minimal cost.

The environment’s effect on health is a major issue for European citizens. In a recent study, around 90% claimed to be concerned about the potential impact of the environment on health. In addition, new technologies and altering lifestyles, work and life patterns occasionally have new and unexpected effects on the environment and its influence on health.

With “Travel Smarter, Live Better”, participating cities and towns should promote active travel to tackle the issue of physical inactivity, excess weight and obesity, and to improve at the same time both the physical and mental well-being of citizens. Furthermore, health and sustainable mobility should be emphasised as a combination that clearly enhances the quality of life in cities, helping to reduce air and noise pollution, accidents and congestion and bring back more space for living rather than for driving.

The European Mobility Week provides the ideal platform for communicating the central role of sustainable mobility, informing citizens about the steps local authorities are taking towards a greener and healthier future whilst also showing what individuals can do for their own health as well as for that of their fellow citizens.

Thematic Guidelines 2010 Document designed to present the way to handle the focal theme of the year 2010: “Travel Smarter, Live Better”. 14 pages. Download: PDF - 434.7 kb

All themes editions

2010: Travel Smarter, Live Better
2009: Improving City Climates
2008: Clean Air for All
2007: Streets for People
2006: Climate Change
2005: Clever Commuting
2004: Safe Streets for Children
2003: Accessibility
2002: Public Transport, Cycling and Living Streets/Greenways