European Mobility Week from 16 to 22 September encourages movement and mobility

The action week kicks off in Chemnitz on 15 September 2015 at 5.30 pm with a meeting of the Agenda 21 mobility working group at the Environmental Centre. On this evening, the working group will discuss the general conditions for pedestrians in Chemnitz and the specific problems faced by pedestrians with disabilities. Guests include Petra Liebetrau, Disability Officer for the City of Chemnitz, and Julia Wunsch, Chairwoman of the City of Chemnitz Disability Advisory Council.

The programme for European Mobility Week also includes cycle tours of the Chemnitz region organised by the ADFC and BUND Sachsen, a lecture by the city archives on the topic of "Chemnitz in air traffic: Between expectation and reality" and the exhibition opening for the inclusive mask theatre play "La Piazza dell'amicizia - a place of friendships".

The city has developed a special programme for daycare centres and schools. Guided tours of the town hall and the tram museum, parkour courses and art and adventure education workshops are just a small selection of the wide-ranging programme.

The highlight of the annual action week is the Mobility Day on 18 September. On this occasion, Neumarkt will be transformed into a mobility centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with a range of activities to whet the appetite for exercise and versatile mobility.

Autograph session with CFC player Tom Scheffel and basketball with the Niners

The Chemnitzer FC's youth players will be running up to Neumarkt for a trial training session from 10 to 11 am. Tom Scheffel, player of the CFC, will be available for photo and autograph requests from 11 to 11.30 am. The Niners will give visitors basketball tips and let them gain their first experience of playing wheelchair basketball. On this morning, the Lauf-KulTour will give visitors the opportunity to run around Germany on the Neumarkt and discover places, landscapes and sights along the route.

Age simulation, wheelchair and long cane course

By trying on an age simulation suit, visitors to the Mobility Day will be able to experience how their own mobility changes as they get older and what a challenge it can be to get on the bus. A wheelchair obstacle course and a long cane obstacle course demonstrate the hurdles that have to be overcome in everyday life if you are in a wheelchair or blind. Guide dogs Alibaba and his master show how guide dogs help people with visual impairments to find their way around public spaces.

Special bicycles, self-help bicycle workshop and bicycle auction

For people with limited mobility, various bicycles will be available for test rides on Neumarkt on this day, including a tricycle tandem and various tricycles. With specialist knowledge, tools and spare parts, the Dr Radinger bicycle self-help workshop offers help for self-help on Mobility Day - at least when it comes to repairing bicycles. You can get your own bike ready for autumn free of charge and with expert support. From 12.30 p.m., the bicycles can be viewed in front of the Kaufhof, which will go under the hammer at 1 p.m. at the bicycle auction organised by the city's lost property office. The auction will be sign language interpreted.

Local transport planning and public transport

On Mobility Day, the city's civil engineering office will also be providing information on current local transport planning and CVAG and VMS will be providing information on local public transport.

Background information

European Mobility Week is the world's largest campaign for sustainable mobility.

Almost 1500 municipalities across Europe are taking part in the campaign week. Together with many associations, initiatives, the VMS and CVAG, the city of Chemnitz is organising a varied programme during the week from 16 to 22 September.

Since this year, the European Mobility Week has been part of the year-round mobility campaign "Do the right mix". As part of

"Do the right mix", the City of Chemnitz has organised a family bike tour for Sunday, 27 September at 10 am. The meeting point for the tour, which lasts around two hours, is Neumarkt.