Mobile spaces of opportunity

The organization of the European Mobility Week (EMW) is picking up speed. From 16 to 22 September 2023, Jena will be showcasing the potential for sustainable mobile ideas in a variety of activities, as the aim of the Europe-wide campaign is to promote sustainable mobility in cities and municipalities and show that this improves the quality of life for everyone.

Christan Gerlitz, Mayor and Head of Urban Development in Jena, also sees the theme week as an opportunity to consider how we imagine cities worth living in in the future:

"For a long time, urban planning was geared towards the parameter of motorized private transport. This often overlooks the fact that, in urban areas in particular, vehicles spend an average of 23 hours a day just parked at the side of the road. This means that a large proportion of public space is taken up by parking lots, creating a correspondingly unattractive atmosphere. Of course, a car also has individual advantages for everyone who uses it: for shopping, transporting children or the daily commute to work. These often make it difficult to do without a car in everyday life. Nevertheless, with a theme week like this one, we want to show that with a little experimentation, solutions can be found that put people at the center of public space. Traffic areas thus become spaces of opportunity in which new forms of living together in public spaces can be tried out."

On the main day of the campaign, 17.09.2023, car-free zones will therefore be created in the Damenviertel in the area of Sophienstraße and St. Jakob Straße. The aim is to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists as well as for neighborly interaction. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., various offers and activities from associations, companies and private individuals on the subject of mobility and sustainability will turn the street into a meeting place.

Here, interested parties can test ride e-bikes with the cycling professionals from Bike & Snow, the ADFC invites you to get your bike coded and the ÜAG organizes a public bike auction. It will also be mobile away from the bike. A solar-powered Sunmobile can be tested, Roll.laden e.V. will be holding a workshop to show anyone interested how best to move around on the four wheels of a skateboard and a senior citizens' tour will provide information on the topic of "Construction activity in the city center." Dancing mobility can be demonstrated at a salsa workshop or during a flash mob, while storyteller Angela Zöllner, the Ernst Abbe Library and the reading stage will challenge and promote mental mobility with their stories.

Various offers on the day will also show that being a neighbor also means sustainability. Books and clothes can be swapped at stalls, while children can sell their old treasures to new owners. You can let off steam musically at the mobile piano in front of the Unverpacktladen and you can design your own T-shirt at the ÜAG's creative stand.

"I'm delighted that we've been able to attract so many different players," says Christian Gerlitz, adding, "Mobility means agility, and that's something we all need if we want to continue to shape the community in the future." He also has an event tip: "On Saturday, September 16, the Lichtbildarena will be showing its lecture 'Mongolia - On the road with child and camel in nomad country' at 8 pm on Sophienstraße in the Damenviertel. Just bring a chair and enjoy," he advises.

The various free events surrounding the European Mobility Week will soon be available at jena.de/emw(link is external). In addition to registrations from associations and companies, neighborly activities are also welcome. Anyone who would like to take part during the week or on the day of action can contact emw2023@jena.de(link sends email).