How the Vital Cities Challenge Grew Into a Europe-Wide Movement

Vital Cities Challenge: Empowering Europe Through Data-Driven Active Living

The Vital Cities Challenge began as a joint initiative by ACES Europe and Kinetic Analysis to spark healthier, more active communities across the continent. What started small has evolved into a Europe-wide movement, supported by cities and local initiatives working together toward a shared goal.

A Network of Cities and Local Initiatives

Cities are the main project partners, but the challenge also thrives on the creativity of local initiatives. This combination enables both strategic, city-level planning and grassroots engagement, bringing communities into motion.

Data-Driven Tools for Active Citizens

At the heart of the project is a powerful activity-tracking system using wearables and an app. Participants follow their daily movement, work toward personal goals, and receive insights that keep them motivated. For cities, this same data becomes a valuable resource—helping them understand real activity patterns and design smarter, evidence-based policies and defining the social return on investment (SROI).

Building Connected and Active Communities

The project blends offline events with an active online community, creating momentum that spreads across Europe. People connect locally, share progress digitally, and stay engaged through a sense of collective purpose.

The Mission

The Vital Cities Challenge is ultimately about equipping cities with the right tools for innovative, data-driven approaches to engage citizens in physical activity. It empowers individuals, informs policymakers, and strengthens communities, helping cities grow healthier, more vibrant, and more active.

Relevant links:

• How To Use Activity Data To Develop Your City | Vital Cities

• Systematic review

• Vital Cities YouTube Playlist

• Project Page