Promoting sustainable mobility is a strategic objective of the transport ministry, Alexis Vafeades said on Friday, awarding Limassol the 2024 European mobility week award.

The transport minister referred to projects underway in Limassol with a budget exceeding €10 million for bus lanes and pedestrian and cycling paths, and expressed hope that they would greatly benefit the people of the city and beyond.

Speaking at the event at the Limassol marina, Vafeades said the government was placing particular emphasis on public passenger transport, both through new concession contracts, which include a series of conditions for improving the quality of services, and through infrastructure projects, such as bus lanes, bus terminals, new stops and park&ride stations.

European mobility week is the European Commission’s leading initiative promoting sustainable mobility in urban areas.

Coordinated at national level by the transport ministry, the award was established in 2019 to encourage Cypriot municipalities to participate actively.

Each year the campaign centers on a different matter. 2024’s campaign theme was ‘Public Space: Equal for All’, highlighting the need for fair access to public spaces with priority for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.

Limassol won the award and a €2,000 cash prize for its outstanding programme of activities. These included transforming Anexartisias avenue into a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly zone, organising children’s games and artistic events, hosting a full moon cycling event and conducting an accessibility walk to identify challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis said the distinction was proof that Limassol was changing for the better and that the municipality’s vision was for a city for all people.

Various events will be hosted during the mobility week, from September 16 to 22.

These include free use of Nextbike bicycles for an hour per day, visits, workshops, seminars, a car-free day on September 20 with skating and children’s activities, an open library, themed walks and a treasure hunt.

The programme of the events can be found here.