On behalf of ICLEI Europe, Wolfgang Teubner, ICLEI Regional Director for Europe, has signed a joint letter to the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans and Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean calling for the EU’s COVID-19 exit strategy to support and advocate for sustainable mobility.

The letter was co-signed by 12 leading mobility organisations, spanning the non-profit, governmental, public transportation and private sectors.

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all facets of society, including sustainable mobility. While public transportation is incurring a sharp drop in use and revenues, cities are simultaneously bolstering cycling and pedestrian paths to accommodate physical distancing for those commuting on foot or by bike.

The European COVID-19 “exit strategy” must include an integrated and sustainable approach to urban mobility. The shift towards safe and sustainable urban mobility must be accelerated; future-proof transport planning must be encouraged; and a rise in unsustainable practices that benefit from historically low oil prices must be prevented.

Local and regional authorities and mobility practitioners are on the front line. Local organisations hold unique knowledge and have the flexibility and ability to foster sustainable urban mobility in their communities. Therefore, the European Commission must support and empower these local transportation leaders in any exit strategy.

For more information, read the letter here.