The European Mobility Week is an awareness raising campaign aimed at raising awareness of public transport, cycling, and walking and at encouraging European cities to promote these modes of transport and to invest in the new necessary infrastructures.
From 16 to 22 September 2011 the Mobility Week is the opportunity for European cities and towns to participate in the most widespread event on sustainable mobility.
Fuel-saving eco-driving tip
1. Limit yourself: The song says, "I can't drive 55", but you really ought to. For every 10 kilometres per hour you drive above 90kph, you lose 10 per cent fuel efficiency, so keep your speed down when you can.
2. Don't be idle: If you are stopped for more than a minute, shut off your engine. Fuel efficiency savings of up to 19 per cent are possible by being more aware of not letting your engine idle while stopped.
3. Get the lead out: Do you take off from stoplights like you are drag racing, then hit the brakes at the next one? Accelerating less aggressively and slowing down moderately for stops can increase your fuel efficiency by over 30 per cent.
4. Go steady: Many traffic lights are timed for efficient traffic flow, and by maintaining a constant speed, you will hit more green lights in a row.
5. Go for a cruise: Use your cruise control on the motorway to maintain a steady speed and keep yourself from accelerating unnecessarily. An average fuel savings of 10 per cent is possible by just cruising. For mountainous drives, skip the cruise control and accelerate smoothly on the hills, coasting down the other side with minimal fuel.
6. Check the tyre pressure. Frequently 25 per cent too low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance by 10 per cent and your fuel consumption by two per cent.
7. Streamline your ride: Improving the aerodynamics of your car reduces drag and improves fuel efficiency. Got a roof rack full of gear? Leave it at home and feel the difference.
8. Hack your fuel efficiency: Change your plugs regularly, keep your engine tuned up, and your filters clean. Empty your car of any extra items you have been hauling around for years to lighten your load.
9. Jump in the pool: Drive alone, and you are making the fuel industry very happy. Find a carpool for work commutes, and ask your friends and neighbours to combine errand runs with you.
10. Gear up: Cars are more fuel efficient in a higher gear, so when you are up to speed, pick the gear with the lowest engine rpm and you will burn the least amount of gas, while reducing the emissions from your tailpipe.
11. Only travel with what you need: It is wise to keep your car stocked up with the essentials but if you find yourself being a taxi for the golf clubs and toolbox when they are not being used then consider leaving them at home.
12. Stop or don’t: If you keep a safe distance from the car in front then you can reduce the amount of unnecessary breaking which in effect uses more fuel. Also try using the gears to assist breaking
13. Don't turn on the engine and leave it idling in order to warm up your car. This wastes fuel and causes engine wear.
