TASHKENT (TCA) — In 2019, Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent for the first time became an official participant in the European Mobility Week, which takes place annually from September 16 to 22 and in which about 50 countries around the world take part. The initiators of the events within the framework of the European Mobility Week in Tashkent are the Hokimiyat (Municipality) of Tashkent city with the support of the Delegation of the European Union in Uzbekistan.
During the week of September 16-22, the Uzbek capital is planning to carry out activities aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle among the population and improving the quality of life through the promotion and popularization of various methods of movement. The organizers invite residents and guests of the capital to take part in two campaigns: Day of the free metro — September 19 and Day without a car — September 22.
“Movement and hiking, if regular, play an important role in maintaining health and help to keep a good mood. I myself after work try to walk for 1.5-2 hours along the Tashkent city construction site. And I believe that if there are more beautiful places in the city that are full of fresh air, the more conditions will be created for citizens to walk and to engage in outdoor activities. A lot has been done in this area in Tashkent over the past year,” said the Khokim (Mayor) of Tashkent, Mr. Jakhongir Artikhodjaev. “First of all, it is worth noting the revival of the beloved Broadway, creating all possible conditions for walking and riding on bicycles; the channel Kichkirik (Damashi at Karakamish), walking alley on Lutfi Street and Seoul park, a new Navruz park have been created; in Chilanzar and Yunusabad districts works are underway to create recreation parks. Very soon the Tashkent City with its unique park area will open. The plans include to create parks and walking alleys in every district of the capital. These efforts served to improve the environmental condition of the city, attract tourists, create favorable conditions for active leisure of citizens. And through activities that promote walking and cycling, as well as with personal examples, we encourage people to lead a healthy lifestyle.”
“The 2019 theme is dedicated to safe walking and cycling, with an emphasis on the active development of walking in the urban environment, which has enormous benefits for our health, the environment, and even the family budget. Experience has shown that those European cities that promote walking and cycling are more attractive, with fewer traffic jams, clean ecology and a higher quality of life,” said the European Union Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mr. Eduards Stiprais. “It, in turn, emphasizes the need to stimulate walking and cycling around the city without compromising safety. For this, it is necessary to equip existing and build new pedestrian zones, including taking into account the needs of people with disabilities, modal integration of pedestrian zones with public transport and bicycle infrastructure for the possible combination of cycling and walking. This year 2019, over 2,450 cities around the world joined the European Mobility Week. A growing number of participants confirms that more and more cities in the world feel the need to develop sustainable urban transport and promote a healthy lifestyle. We are pleased to share successful European experience in sustainable urban planning and improving road safety.”
Free metro day, September 19, 2019, all stations of the Tashkent metro:
The underground system of Tashkent subway with a total length of more than 37 km with 29 stations is unique in beauty. At the same time, it is expanding, offering passengers modern, convenient and fast movement. However, for a multi-million capital city, the daily passenger flow of 200 thousand people is shallow in comparison with other capitals of the world.
To popularize the use of the metro on September 19 travel in the metro will be free. On this day, transitions at the stations will turn into a platform for performances by musicians, actors, and other entertainment programs. The organizers of the action hope that residents of the capital who left their cars that day and decided to get to work on the metro will be able to appreciate the cost-effectiveness and speed of this type of transport.
Car-Free Day, September 22, Lutfiy street:
On September 22, residents and guests of Tashkent are invited to leave their cars and take a walk along Lutfiy street in Uchtepa district of the capital. The street will be closed to vehicles throughout the day so that participants can enjoy the festive atmosphere and participate in a variety of entertainment and educational events. On this day, masterclasses and mini-competitions will be held on issues of urban mobility, safety, the importance of mutual respect between pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. The Car-Free Day will end with a festive concert in Seoul Park.
