The eighth edition of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) Award was launched today at the 6th European Conference on Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans, which is taking place in Groningen (The Netherlands).

This year's award will focus on the inclusion of safe, active mobility in sustainable urban mobility planning (SUMP). This covers the development and promotion of walking and cycling as urban transport modes and the improvement of safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The topical focus is based on this year's EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK theme, which puts the spotlight on safe walking and cycling and the benefits it can have for our health, our environment, and our bank balance.

Recognising that Europe’s cities can no longer afford to rely on private vehicles for mobility needs, the 8th SUMP Award encourages planning authorities to promote and plan for active modes. In addition to flexibility, walking and cycling have many other benefits, such as social and economic accessibility, reliability, a low environmental footprint, and a positive impact on health.

The SUMP Award is presented together with the EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK awards, and honours local authorities that have developed a SUMP that satisfies the diverse transport needs of people and businesses, whilst improving quality of life.

Applications will be accepted from European local and regional public authorities that have legal competence in developing and implementing a SUMP on their territory.

For more information about this year's edition of the award, the entrance criteria, and how to apply before the 31 October deadline, click here.