by InTrieste
As cities across Europe grapple with how to become more sustainable and livable, Trieste has taken center stage with its participation in European Mobility Week, a continent-wide initiative promoting eco-friendly transportation and smarter use of public space. Running until September 27, this year’s event in Trieste is poised to make an impact, with a series of activities aimed at rethinking the city’s urban landscape.
The theme of the 2024 edition, “Sharing Public Spaces,” emphasizes the need for cities to reclaim streets and squares for people, not just cars. The initiative, organized by the Municipality of Trieste in collaboration with local partners such as Trieste Trasporti, ASUGI, and the Automobile Club of Trieste, is designed to engage citizens in thinking about how public space can better serve the entire community.
Thousands of cities across Europe participate annually in this event, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable mobility solutions. In Trieste, the event provides an opportunity for the local government to showcase its ongoing efforts to create safer streets, promote active travel options, and encourage citizens to rethink how they interact with urban spaces.
Road Safety and Public Transport Initiatives
The festivities begin on Saturday, September 21, with a focus on road safety. In Piazza della Borsa, the city’s Local Police, in collaboration with the Automobile Club Italy (ACI) and the Ready2Go driving school, will offer road safety workshops under the banner 4 Safety FVG. Participants will engage in interactive sessions on safe driving practices and learn about the latest developments in local public transportation.
Trieste Trasporti, the city’s main public transport provider, will host a stand showcasing upcoming improvements in the local transit system. Attendees will be able to test new services and receive vouchers for BiTS, Trieste’s bike-sharing program, part of the city’s effort to reduce reliance on cars.
One of the highlights of the day will be the ACI-Ready2Go driving test, held in the parking area behind Risiera di San Sabba, a poignant historical site. Here, drivers of all ages will have the chance to test their skills on a specially designed track simulating hazardous road conditions, such as icy surfaces, providing them with insights into how modern car safety features like ABS can prevent accidents.
A shuttle service, provided by Trieste Trasporti, will ferry participants from Piazza della Borsa to the Risiera di San Sabba, reinforcing the event’s commitment to promoting accessible and sustainable transport.
A Family-Friendly Affair
While road safety may be the focus for some, the event has also been designed with families in mind. “Stories on Wheels,” organized by the volunteers of Nati per Leggere Trieste (Born to Read), offers children and their families an interactive experience on a historic bus parked in Roiano. Children aged 0 to 6 will enjoy free themed readings, while parents can learn about the city’s public transport history. The event, part of the larger LeggiAMO 0-18 initiative, highlights how cultural activities can dovetail with the push for sustainable mobility.
Hiking Through Trieste’s Natural and Urban Heritage
On Sunday, September 22, a different kind of mobility experience will take center stage with a scenic hike from Opicinato Miramare. Organized by the SEA@SISSA (Sustainability and Environmental Actions at SISSA) group, the hike covers 7.5 kilometers along one of Trieste’s most iconic routes, including the historic Strada Napoleonica. Hikers will enjoy sweeping views of the Adriatic as they descend to Miramare via the Fishermen’s Staircase, all while discussing environmental sustainability with guides from SISSA.
The event, aimed at raising awareness of active mobility options like walking and hiking, is one of the many ways Trieste is encouraging its citizens to leave their cars behind and embrace greener ways of moving through the city.
A Model for the Future
For Trieste, European Mobility Week is more than just an opportunity to host events—it is a testing ground for broader urban changes. As climate change accelerates, cities around the world are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and create safer, more equitable urban environments. Trieste’s focus on public transport, road safety, and the rethinking of public spaces positions it as a model for cities looking to balance the demands of modern life with the need for environmental responsibility.
As more citizens engage with these ideas, the hope is that Trieste can lead by example, proving that sustainable urban living is not just possible but necessary for the future of cities everywhere.
For further information, visit SEM Trieste.
Event Highlights:
- Saturday, September 21
- 4 Safety FVG Road Safety Education: Piazza della Borsa, 10:00–17:00
- ACI-Ready2Go Driving Test: Parking behind Risiera di San Sabba, 12:00–17:00
- Stories on Wheels: Piazza tra i Rivi (Roiano), 16:00–18:00
- Sunday, September 22
- Hike from Opicina to Miramare: Departing from the Obelisk in Opicina at 13:00
