Detailed description (English): Happy Streets is a movement of different changemakers, like citizens, ngo's, companies together with the City of Rotterdam. It speeds up the transition towards inclusive, sustainable mobility and a better use of public space. Rotterdam has wide streets, compared to other Dutch cities, due to its history. It has been considered a 'car city', but this is changing.
This change will be made very visible during the weekend of September, 16-18th. Be bringing together different events which reclaim the city and rethink the role of mobility, many people will have a chance to see the sustainable future of the city. Starting with Park(ing)Day - the 3rd edition - and a festival on public space on Friday, Walkin' Rotterdam which stimulates citizens to discover their city by foot on Saturday, and the very first Open Streets - closing down main routes in the city center - on Sunday. All events invite citizens to join, and co-create with Happy Streets.
On September 21st we will close the European Mobility Week with a meet-up on how to stimulate sustainable mobility by experimenting. The first results of what came out of the so-called Mobility Arena - a project started by the City of Rotterdam to accelerate the mobility transition - will be presented here.
Target group(s): We focus on different age groups, mainly living in the city center. We involve local shop owners and have special programs for children and the elderly. Open Streets specifically is a family event.
Objectives: We want to show the people how lively a city becomes when we move in a different, healthy way. Also we involve professionals to accelerate the transition towards sustainable mobility.
Expected Outcomes: Last year during Park(ing)Day around 100 people claimed a parking spot and turned it into a pocket park. This not only inspired the people passing by, but also got a lot of media attention. Together with the program on Saturday and Sunday we expect to reach many more people and more media attention. The first Open Streets will probably attract around 1000 people. On August, 1st we kicked off Happy Streets and we already got quite some media attention.
Partner: Milieudefensie - NGO
Brand Urban Agency - consultancy
Rotterdams Milieucentrum - NGO
Municipality of Rotterdam
DRIFT - transition dept of Erasmus University
...