European Mobility Week (EMW), the European Commission’s flagship awareness-raising campaing on celebrated every September, encourages cities, organisations, and citizens to embrace sustainable urban mobility and healthier ways of moving. This year, from 16 to 22 September, participants across Europe took their commitment to heart, walking over 1 billion steps in the European Steps Challenge, organised by Walk15, one of EIT Urban Mobility’s portfolio startups, with our support.
The European Mobility Week 2025 Steps Challenge
The European Steps Challenge invited citizens across Europe to get moving while fostering friendly competition between cities. Municipalities encouraged residents to walk as much as possible during EMW, using the Walk15 app to track their steps. This initiative not only promoted healthier lifestyles but also raised awareness of the positive impact walking has on urban sustainability.
This year, 577 cities from 46 countries participated in the challenge, with participants collectively walking over 1 billion steps, equivalent to approximately 735,239 km, or 20 times around the world! Each participant received a personal in-app diploma to celebrate their efforts, and every city will be awarded a city diploma recognising the collective achievement. Some individuals went above and beyond, contributing over 400,000 steps during the week, highlighting how small, consistent actions can make a big difference for communities and the environment.
Top 5 most active cities
Most active countries and their leading cities
- Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipėda
- Latvia: Rīga, Jelgava, Marupe
- Romania: Roman, Bistrita, Bucharest
- Spain: A Coruña, Valladolid, Getxo
- Germany: Wuppertal, Südlohn, Borken
- Turkey: Eskişehir, Izmir, Antalya
- Italy: Marcon, L’Aquila, Ceriano Laghetto
Other EIT Urban Mobility activities during European Mobility Week 2025
In addition to supporting the European Steps Challenge, EIT Urban Mobility showcased its commitment to sustainable and innovative urban mobility through several initiatives:
- Mobility Talks 31: Return on investment in bike-sharing schemes: On 18 September, this session explored a new upcoming EY study, commissioned by EIT Urban Mobility and Cycling Industries Europe, on the return on investment of bike-sharing schemes. Participants discussed the health, environmental, and economic benefits of bike-sharing and practical strategies to increase its adoption in European cities.
- MoTO project final event in Turin: On 19 September, Turin hosted the closing event of the MoTO project, supported by EIT Urban Mobility, showcasing innovative mobility solutions tested by the European startups Karos Mobility, Dreamwaves, and Transcality. The event highlighted how Turin serves as a real-world testing ground for shared, inclusive, and digital mobility.
- HERO project presentation in Barcelona: On 19 September, Barcelona unveiled its first diesel bus converted into a zero-emission hydrogen vehicle under the HERO – Hydrogen Retrofit project, funded through our 2024 innovation call. In collaboration with Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), EVARM, and EKPO, the project demonstrates how retrofitting existing diesel minibuses with hydrogen fuel cells can accelerate decarbonisation.
- Internal European Mobility Week Steps Challenge: EIT Urban Mobility also encouraged its own team to walk during EMW 25. With 61 participants joining, the team achieved 3,649,071 steps, saving 469 kg of CO₂—equivalent to planting 13,032 trees!
Walking towards a healthier, greener future
The European Mobility Week 2025 and the Steps Challenge demonstrate that even small actions, like walking, can have a measurable impact on cities and communities. By encouraging active mobility, raising awareness, and supporting innovation, EIT Urban Mobility and its partners continue to drive progress toward healthier, more sustainable, and connected urban environments across Europe.
