IKV İstanbul EU Information Centre, in cooperation with the EU Delegation to Türkiye and hosted by İstanbul Commerce University, organised a meeting entitled “Mobility Talks – Building Sustainable Cities for Everyone” on 22 September 2025.

The opening speeches of the meeting organised within the scope of European Mobility Week were delivered by Director of the Transportation Systems Application and Research Centre at İstanbul Commerce University Prof. Mustafa Ilıcalı, Vice-Rector of İstanbul Commerce University Prof. Berk Ayvaz, IKV Deputy Secretary General M. Gökhan Kilit, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of İstanbul Commerce University Dr. İsrafil Kuralay.

In his speech, Prof. Ilıcalı emphasised that the EU is a strategic partner for Türkiye as much as Türkiye is for the EU. Highlighting the importance of EU projects carried out within the university, Prof. Ilıcalı stated that a new project on traffic management during earthquakes, involving partners from Germany and Greece, is nearing completion.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of İstanbul Commerce University Dr. İsrafil Kuralay noted in his speech that the theme of “Mobility for All” draws attention to the declining individual mobility in large cities, emphasising the increasing need for open spaces and walkable areas in complex metropolises such as İstanbul. Drawing attention to the importance of urban cycling infrastructure, Dr. Kuralay stated that İstanbul's geographical structure poses challenges in terms of pedestrianisation and two-wheeled transport, and therefore more space for walking and cycling is needed in urban planning.

IKV Deputy Secretary General M. Gökhan Kilit began his speech by introducing the IKV and the EU Information Centre. Deputy Secretary General Kilit stated that Mobility Week, celebrated by member and candidate countries, is a very important campaign and that this year it stands out in terms of its social dimension compared to previous years. Emphasising that the main objective of Mobility Week is to reduce the environmental impact of transport and lower carbon emissions, Deputy Secretary General Kilit stated that the aim is to create healthier and more liveable cities by reducing car dependency in cities. Deputy Secretary General Kilit stated that clean and smart transport solutions such as public transport, cycling and walking are being promoted, adding that the week also supports people-oriented urban planning. Kilit stated that events were held in over 2,500 cities in 2025 and that this year's theme was set as “Mobility for All”, with the aim of removing barriers to access to transport, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

In his speech, İstanbul Commerce University Vice Rector Prof. Berk Ayvaz addressed the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, emphasising that cities should be built based on these three principles. Noting that transport choices play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, Prof. Ayvaz stated that public transport, cycling and walking offer more sustainable options compared to individual vehicle use. Noting that İstanbul has an ancient city identity, Prof. Ayvaz said that it is the people living in a city that make it meaningful, adding that sustainability is ultimately possible through the responsibility and awareness of individuals.

Mobility Talks – Building Sustainable Cities for Everyone
The first speaker of the panel, which is moderated by IKV Deputy Secretary General M. Gökhan Kilit, was Prof. Mustafa Ilıcalı. In his speech, Prof. Ilıcalı highlighted the importance of legal regulations and infrastructure works aimed at ensuring traffic safety in Türkiye. Stating that traffic problems largely stem from the use of private vehicles, Prof. Ilıcalı emphasised the need to encourage the use of public transport and bicycles to reduce the share of private vehicles in travel. Presenting examples of projects carried out in İstanbul, Prof. Ilıcalı stated that capacity increases are possible, particularly with innovative solutions in intersection control systems and traffic management. Highlighting the importance of awareness projects developed with the understanding that “there are no small mistakes in traffic”, Prof. Ilıcalı described educational initiatives created with theatre and digital content for children. Also mentioning that maritime transport is not utilised sufficiently, Prof. Ilıcalı said that bus and bicycle lanes should be planned together. Pointing out the importance of taking inspiration from European practices in traffic management, Prof. Ilıcalı stated that young people should be educated in this field to become part of the solution.

The Key to Sustainable Cities: Cycling
The second speaker on the panel, President of the Cyclists Association Murat Suyabatmaz emphasised the role of cycling as a fundamental element of sustainable urban living. Noting that the increasing number of motor vehicles is pushing cities into a dead end, Suyabatmaz drew attention to the importance of cycling's multidimensional impact on transport, health, the environment and the economy, citing examples from Europe and Asia. Suyabatmaz stated that cycling provides benefits in many areas, such as reducing carbon emissions, decreasing traffic accidents, and supporting physical and mental health. He expressed that the bicycle-priority transportation policies implemented in European countries should also be adopted in Türkiye. Suyabatmaz stated that the association has carried out numerous activities aimed at both legislative changes and raising public awareness, pioneering many innovations ranging from practical traffic education in schools to bicycle police and paramedic projects. Suyabatmaz stressed the need to strengthen Türkiye's bicycle infrastructure and called for the implementation of tax breaks and incentive mechanisms. He concluded his speech with the emphasis that “bicycles are the joker of life”.

From Urban Mobility to Climate Resilience: An Integrated Approach
The final speaker on the panel was Urban Mobility Manager at WRI Türkiye Cemil Oğuz. In his speech, Oğuz shared his approach to sustainable and inclusive transport solutions through urban mobility projects carried out in İstanbul. Introducing projects carried out with municipalities on issues such as increasing bicycle use, barrier-free access and reducing urban heat island effects, Oğuz stated that solutions were developed at the neighbourhood level through temporary tactical urbanism applications. Oğuz stated that mobility is not only related to transport but also directly linked to equitable access to urban services, health, and quality of life, emphasising the need to integrate the concepts of social inclusion and climate resilience into planning at all levels. The meeting concluded with a question-and-answer session.