Taking solutions to the streets: Cities reimagine mobility with Climate KIC and FedEx
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS, 19 June 2025 – Through the Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge, sponsored by FedEx, Climate KIC is awarding four European cities funds to deliver transformative projects that encourage shared and active transport options, such as car-sharing, cycling, and walking.
Brașov (Romania), Viseu Dão Lafões (Portugal), The Hague (The Netherlands), and Üsküdar – Istanbul (Turkey) will receive up to €90,000 in funding alongside expert support to help implement people-centred solutions that address local mobility challenges and advance climate goals.
These four projects were selected from 146 municipalities across 30 countries for their potential for replication and to deliver both climate and social benefits. When completed, the projects will serve as role models for how small-scale interventions can lead to large-scale improvements in the way people move around and engage in their local environments.
“Over the past three years, the Challenge has empowered thirteen cities across Europe to devise innovative solutions to their mobility challenges,” says Wouter Roels, Regional President of FedEx Europe. “Initiatives ranging from reimagining street parking in The Hague to enhanced school safety zones in Istanbul exemplify how this year’s winning cities are advancing climate solutions and working towards our shared goal of building a more sustainable future.”
Cities’ demand for support soars
Since the launch of the Challenge in 2022, the number of project submissions has doubled year-over-year. This third edition saw a record number of high-quality submissions, spanning major themes such as:
· Safe school zones and traffic-calming interventions
· Mobility hubs and last-mile logistics
· Parklets and pocket parks replacing car infrastructure
· Bike-sharing, pedestrianisation, and greenway enhancements
· Community-led mobility behaviour change programmes
Notably, a large number of proposals focused on school streets, particularly from Turkey and the UK. While many Serbian cities focused on park and green space regeneration, cycling was a popular theme amongst the proposals from Spanish cities.
“What we’re seeing is a groundswell of ambition from cities across Europe — matched by the courage and commitment of mayors, city officers and local communities willing to drive systemic change,” said Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of Climate KIC. “These projects prove that when local leadership is engaged and citizens are empowered, we can reshape the places we live to be more just and climate-resilient than ever before.”
Winning projects for 2025
Brașov, Romania – Timiș blue-green corridor: Reclaiming a hidden river for people and nature
The two rivers that cross Brașov are mostly hidden under concrete slabs. Reclaiming the public space along the Timiș is a top priority for a city aiming for climate neutrality by 2035. Therefore, the city has identified segments along the 12-kilometre stretch where quick interventions with immediate impact are possible. This includes the revitalisation of a neglected street by uncovering part of the buried Timiș stream and transforming it into a blue-green corridor. This participatory pilot will repurpose Enupărului Street as a shaded walking and cycling route that connects homes, schools, and shops. Using nature-based solutions, green infrastructure, and community events, the project aims to create a cooler, more attractive and inclusive urban space while laying the foundation for a full-scale green corridor along the river.
George Scripcaru, Mayor of Brașov: “The revitalization of the Timiș blue-green corridor on Enupărului Street is a first step in a broader effort to reconnect neighborhoods with nature, create community spaces, and expand investments in clean transport and pedestrian infrastructure. This initiative reflects our ambition to become a climate-neutral and truly green city — not just through the nature that surrounds us, but through a community-centered approach to urban transformation.”
Viseu Dão Lafões, Portugal – Green hubs for flexible transport network
Spanning 14 municipalities, the Viseu Dão Lafões Intermunicipal Community has established an award-winning, on-demand transport service known as “Ir e Vir” (or “Comings and Goings” in English). It offers residents in rural areas an affordable and flexible transport option, allowing them to book taxi rides in advance at the cost of a standard bus ticket. As part of the region’s wider Sustainable Urban Mobility Strategy, the Community is now taking a step to integrate green infrastructure by creating 14 “green hubs” at key transit stops. These hubs will feature portable trees, seating areas, and biodiversity elements, transforming utilitarian spaces into cooler environments with much-needed shade. The goal? Reduce car dependency, increase urban-rural connectivity, and promote social interaction in an environment that blends mobility with nature.
Fernando Ruas, President of the Intermunicipal Community of Viseu Dão Lafões: “It is much more than a mobility solution. It is about connecting people, bringing communities closer together, tackling isolation, and clearly reinforcing territorial cohesion. Being selected for the Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge is a strong recognition of Viseu Dão Lafões Intermunicipal Community ongoing efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable mobility. We are honoured to be part of this European network of cities driving forward climate action on the ground.”
An AI-generated illustration of a Green Hub in Viseu Dão Lafões.
The Hague, The Netherlands – Liveable streets through local car-sharing initiatives
The Hague is piloting a community-led approach to car sharing as this ‘EU Mission’ city aims for climate neutrality by 2030. When more people share cars, more space opens on the streets. But what happens to these parking spots? That’s for the residents to decide! The city intends to reward those who share cars in groups or cooperatives with the ability to transform their neighborhoods – by adding greenery, bike racks, seating areas or a mix of these to spaces once claimed by cars. This bottom-up approach that empowers residents to make more sustainable choices will serve as a blueprint for embedding system change into urban planning.
Arjen Kapteijns, Deputy Mayor for Mobility of the municipality of The Hague: “We believe that this project and car sharing, in particular, will make a significant contribution to the mobility transition and improve the liveability of our city, in close collaboration with initiating residents and other involved parties. The support of the Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge is important to achieve these goals and for sharing the acquired knowledge and lessons learned from other cities.”
Repurposed parking spots in The Hague.
Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey – Safe school streets
Üsküdar is committed to transforming school environments and surrounding streets into areas that prioritise children’s safety and independent mobility. Building on two successful pilots, the municipality will expand its “Safe School Streets” programme to more school zones. Street design plays a crucial role in promoting healthy, active mobility; therefore, the project will also incorporate nature-based solutions such as planters, trees, parklets, shrubs, and pocket gardens. These green interventions not only improve air quality and urban cooling but also enhance biodiversity and overall quality of life, making streets more inviting for walking and cycling. The approach aims to create a more inclusive and secure community, ensuring that the needs of children are central to urban development and planning.
Sinem Dedetaş, Mayor of Üsküdar: “It is possible to build safe, green streets where children can move freely and independently. Our Safe School Streets initiative was the first step, proving that even small interventions can lead to meaningful change. By reimagining school surroundings with nature-based and child-centered design, we are not only investing in our children’s well-being but also in the sustainability of our city.
About the programme
The Sustainable Cities Mobility Challenge is part of Climate KIC’s broader mission to catalyse systems innovation in cities. Delivered with support from FedEx, the programme provides financial backing, technical assistance, and a platform for cities to share insights, tools, and results. In total, 13 cities from seven countries have been supported with over 1 million (USD) in funding.
To learn more, visit the programme website.