Tartu celebrates the European Mobility Week from September 16 to September 22.
The goal of the European Mobility Week, which occurs in the middle of September each year since 2002, is to encourage people to make healthy and active lifestyle choices, and to make everyday activities more environmentally friendly.
The theme for this year’s Mobility Week is “Shared Public Space.” Several public events will be held in Tartu during this period of time, to draw attention to various groups of road users in the urban space.
The program for Mobility Week in Tartu:
September 16–22: free bus rides for all
To encourage the residents of Tartu to choose environmentally friendly modes of transportation and thereby contribute to creating a cleaner and healthier urban environment, bus rides on Tartu city buses will be free during the Mobility Week. The right for free rides applies to all passengers during the week, and tickets do not need to be validated during this period. If you still happen to validate your card, nothing will be taken off from it.
NB! The free bus rides only apply to the Tartu city buses, but not the Tartu county buses.
September 19 at 17:00: Walking Tour “Tartu’s Secret Shortcuts“
On Thursday, everyone will have the opportunity to discover exciting hidden paths and “shortcuts” in Tartu’s urban space. Led by Indrek Ranniku, head of the urban planning department in Tartu City, the hour-long leisurely walk will take participants from Toometaguse to Karlova, with several surprises along the way. No prior registration is needed; just show up! The meeting point is in front of the University of Tartu Library (W. Struve 1) with the walk ending at the steps by the Emajõgi River near Atlantis House.
September 19 at 18:00: Discussion “Streets for All: A Nuisance or Freedom?”
Are streets for cars or for people? Does creating bike lanes wrong car drivers? The first part of this two-part discussion will introduce the concept of Tartu’s bicycle streets and Riia Street. A more general discussion on street space will feature Tartu city architect Jiri Tintera, planner Indrek Oden, mobility researcher from the University of Tartu Age Poom, SEBE board member and former oil union leader Mart Raamat, and Tartu Cyclists’ Union. The discussion will take place at the steps by the Emajõgi River near Atlantis (Narva mnt 2).
September 20 at 19:00: Group Bike Ride “Exploring New Routes“
The Tartu City Government and the Tartu Cyclists’ Union invite everyone to join a one-hour joint bike ride through the autumnal City of Tartu, exploring some street sections that are still closed to cars. Pump up your tires, straighten your handlebars, and join the ride! Cyclists will start gathering in the parking lot of the University of Tartu Sports Hall (Ujula 4a) at 18:45, and the group will start moving at 19:00, finishing an hour later under the Sõpruse Bridge on Turu Street, where everyone can join the “Shared Bridge Space” party.
September 20 at 20:00: Party “Shared Bridge Space“
Urban space for everyone, bridge space for everyone! There will be a party under the Sõpruse Bridge, on the Turu Street side! The outdoor party will last from 20:00 to 23:00, featuring music by a DJ, dancing and good food. At 20:30, Comedy Estonia’s stand-up comedian Karl-Alari Varma will entertain the crowd.
September 22 – Car-Free Day
European Mobility Week traditionally concludes with a Car-Free Day, encouraging everyone to leave their cars at home and instead travel on foot, by public transport, or by bike.
#tartumobilityweek
The event is part of the CYCLE UP! project, funded by the European Union's "Creative Europe" program. The views expressed are those of the authors and may not reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The European Union and EACEA are not responsible for the opinions expressed.
