Results of the Active Mobility in Action Photo Competition

We are pleased to announce the results of the International Walking and Cycling Photo Competition: “Active Mobility in Action”, which was a major success in promoting sustainable mobility across the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). Held from September 1 to September 21 as part of the Interreg Cooperation Day 2024 and organised by InterregBSR SUMPs for BSR project partners, the competition attracted widespread participation and enthusiasm, reinforcing the importance of active mobility in urban areas.

Competition Reach and Participation

The competition reached over 155,000 people through the various social media channels across the BSR, with 50+ entries from six cities: Turku (Finland), Gävle (Sweden), Greifswald (Germany), Gdynia (Poland), Panevezys (Lithuania), and Cesis (Latvia).

Many of these cities have also tied their participation in competition to the European Mobility Week (EMW) initiatives, further highlighting their commitment to sustainable mobility.
In Turku, the city published guidelines for the European Mobility Week, promoting sustainable mobility initiatives, having also set up the stand during the Turku-day to encourage the inhabitants to move around sustainably. Greifswald and Cesis organised Kiddical Mass events as part of their EMW initiatives, promoting safe cycling for children by organizing family-friendly bike rides through the city. These events showcased the cities’ commitment to safe cycling infrastructure and contributed to the overall aims of the SUMPs for BSR project.

Winners and Awards

Contestants submitted their entry photos to the social media channels with the #SUMPsforBSRactive hashtag along with the city-specific hashtags. Each participating city selected three winners, with some awarding additional prizes. For example, Panevezys awarded kick-scooters to the main winners, while other cities gave out prizes like bike bags, drinking bottles, and even monthly public bike-sharing passes.

In Panevezys, prizes were awarded during the car-free day celebration after a mass bicycle ride, bringing inhabitants together to celebrate their commitment to active mobility. In Gdynia, the award ceremony was held within the larger event held on Constitution Square to celebrate the EMW. The Deputy Mayor of Gdynia awarded the prizes.

Some notable entries included:

• Photos of daily walks with dogs
• Photos capturing cycling trips passing near local airfields
• Entries from nature paths and scenic routes including sunny island cycling paths, as well as those reflecting the old city charm.
• Family cycling trips, with some transporting commuting their children to school and kindergarten in cargo bikes.
• Photos featuring school children enjoying nature during organized walking and cycling tours.

Key Takeaways

The competition demonstrated the widespread enthusiasm for active and sustainable mobility. Its purpose was to promote walking and cycling as healthier, more environmentally friendly alternatives to car usage, reducing the residents’ reliance on cars. Several cities, like Turku (aiming for carbon neutrality by 2029) and Gävle (targeting 2035), acknowledge the role of active mobility in their way towards ambitious carbon reduction goals.

Beyond encouraging healthier transport habits, the competition also celebrated EU values and cross-border collaboration. The Interreg BSR SUMPs for BSR project aim to foster international cooperation in developing more sustainable urban environments across the Baltic Sea Region.

Participant Quotes

Participants shared a variety of inspirational messages about the importance of cycling and walking. Here are a few highlights:

• “It rained, it’s raining and it’s promising to rain… But are we made of sugar?? These mornings have their own charm!” – Contestant from Cesis
• “I love my commute. I’ve heard people saying they sit in traffic, but I don’t believe it for a second. Must be an urban myth!” – Contestant from Gdynia
• “Gifts from nature are abundant in autumn. Ran into – to be precise, cycled into – a sunflower field in Lieto on Sunday. Less than one hour from Turku by bike.” – Contestant from Turku
• “On a bike to school and kindergarten every day through Cesis, no matter the weather!” – Contestant from Cesis

Looking Ahead

Following the success of this competition, the SUMPs for BSR project plans to organise more events to continue promoting active mobility. By learning from this competition and expanding on its success, we aim to bring more value to partner cities and residents, fostering a healthier, more sustainable, and connected Baltic Sea Region.

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