Benidorm is dusting off its walking shoes and hopping back into European Mobility Week. It is the annual push to swap cars for something a little kinder to the planet.
From the 16 to 22 of September, the city joins more than 3,000 others across Europe in encouraging buses, bikes, scooters and plain old walking.
Things get moving on Tuesday, 16 September, with a guided walk organised alongside ONCE. Starting in the Plaza de la Hispanidad, the walk will follow a route regularly used by blind residents. It finishes on Calle Ruzafa, where a new push-button traffic light will be tested.
Wednesday is for the kids. Calle Italia will be turned into a playground of sorts, complete with games and activities.
On Thursday, attention turns to teenagers and electric scooters. At the Children’s Traffic Park, students will be shown how to use scooters properly, helmets on, speed under control, no daredevil antics!
Later that afternoon, Avenida Ametlla del Mar will be handed over to the little ones, with bouncy castles and games.
European Mobility Week in Benidorm: Free public transport
Friday is Urban Transport Day, when getting around by bus will be a little easier on the wallet as travel will be free for the day.
The weekend brings more variety. On Saturday, the Plaza de Sant Joan de España will host a second-hand bike market with a twist. Instead of selling, people can donate bikes they no longer use. The donations will be repaired and passed on to those in need.
On Sunday morning, runners can join the “On the Front Line” charity race.
Everything wraps up on Monday, 22 September, with “Car-Free Day.” Parts of Paseo de Poniente and Avenida de la Armada Española will be closed to most traffic for nearly twelve hours.
Walk for Your City Challenge
For anyone who fancies a bit of competition, there’s also the “Walk for Your City” challenge running all week. By downloading the free Walk15 app, residents can log their steps and help Benidorm climb the European rankings.
