The goal of EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK is to improve the quality of life in cities—through lower emissions, less traffic noise, and more space for social interaction in public areas—by showcasing innovative ideas for sustainable mobility, testing transportation solutions in everyday life, and actively involving the public. Under this year’s theme, “Mobility Across Generations,” Mainz is taking the lead and inviting residents to explore different forms of mobility and contribute their own ideas.

“European Mobility Week offers an excellent platform for working together with the people of Mainz to develop concepts for sustainable and inclusive mobility,” explains Janina Steinkrüger, Commissioner for Environment and Mobility. “We are adopting this year’s theme, ‘Mobility Across Generations,’ as our central guiding principle: It is important to us that the planned events enable genuine participation and incorporate practical experiences from the daily lives of all age groups. Only in this way can we achieve mobility planning that is consistently geared toward the needs of all city residents—from children to seniors—which both promotes sustainability and increases social acceptance.”

A Diverse Program for All Generations

The program for Mainz Mobility Week deliberately appeals to various target groups and addresses different aspects of sustainable mobility. 

The week kicks off on Wednesday, September 16, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with an action day for accessible mobility at Gutenbergplatz. People with and without disabilities are invited to learn more, exchange ideas, and gain insight into different perspectives.

On September 18 and 21, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day, Mainz residents will also have the opportunity to take a guided city tour to discover the “stories between the cobblestones” and embark on a journey of discovery through a different, often invisible side of Mainz. Between Domplatz, Ludwigstraße, and Große Langgasse, we’ll explore the stories hidden behind bollards, guide strips, street names, traffic lights, trash cans, and cobblestones.

Saturday, September 19, is all about bicycles. At the bar “Zum grünen Kakadu,” the winners of this year’s STADTRADELN will be honored from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition, short films from the “International Cycling Film Festival” (ICFF) will be screened. 

Finally, on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Cargobike Roadshow will come to Mainz’s Gutenbergplatz. From various cargo bikes and e-cargo bikes to specialized transport models, visitors can learn about the different vehicles and test them out right on the spot. 

All residents are cordially invited to participate in the events, try out new forms of mobility, and share their own ideas.

Background

EUROPEAN MOBILITY WEEK is an annual initiative of the European Commission. Every year, over 2,500 cities and municipalities in more than 40 European countries participate. The goal is to highlight the benefits of sustainable mobility, test innovative solutions in everyday life, and promote more climate-friendly transportation. 

The action week runs across Europe from September 16 to 22.

Program Overview:

Action Day for Accessible Mobility

September 16 | 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Gutenbergplatz

Guided City Tour “Stories Among the Cobblestones”

September 18 | 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Domplatz, Heunensäule

September 21 | 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. | Domplatz, Heunensäule

“City Cycling” Awards Ceremony

September 19 | 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | “Zum grünen Kakadu” bar

Cargo Bike Roadshow

September 21 | 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Gutenbergplatz

For
more information on European Mobility Week:
www.mainz.de/emw (opens in a new tab)
www.umweltbundesamt.de/europaeische-mobilitaetswoche (opens in a new tab)