European Mobility Week, which invites us every year to rethink the way we travel, will take place from 16 to 22 September.
Cars are part of our daily lives: going to work, shopping, visiting friends and family… They often seem indispensable. Yet, their widespread use is a major source of air pollution and raises serious public health concerns.
Every year, from 16 to 22 September, European Mobility Week encourages everyone to think about new ways of getting around. What if, on this occasion, we tried to leave our cars in the garage a little more often?
Why change our habits?
- Improve our health: Walking or cycling for short trips is good for both body and mind. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 30 minutes of walking per day to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. After all, our bodies are made to move!
- Protect everyone’s health: Cars are a major source of local air pollution. Fine particles and smog are responsible for nearly 40,000 deaths every year in France. In addition, the transport sector accounts for 34% of greenhouse gas emissions, half of which comes from private cars. Reducing car use means protecting our health and that of future generations.
- Save money: Driving less also means spending less! On average, 10% of household budgets in France are dedicated to car use. Choosing alternative transport can ease financial pressure on a daily basis.
How to take action?
- Choose walking or cycling for short journeys.
- Compare travel times: with traffic jams and parking issues, public transport or cycling are often faster.
- Benefit from the 50% reimbursement of public transport passes provided by employers (in France).
- Plan your trips to optimize your routes.
- Carpool: dedicated areas and apps make this eco-friendly and cost-effective option much easier.
Let’s take on the challenge together
During European Mobility Week, many events are organized to showcase alternatives to car use. To learn more about activities near you, visit the website of the Ministry for Ecological Transition. Together, let’s move differently, for our health and for our planet!
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