EU mobility week in Slovenia – IPoP: Let’s support the children in their active travel to school!
During the recent European Mobility Week, we joined the common mission to raise awareness of the importance of a comfortable and accessible public space for all.
As we have learned through our long-running programme, Active Travel to School and Healthy City programme, co-funded by the Ministry of Health, promoting active travel to school is a key starting point for creating more walkable and healthier urban environments, and doing it with the community brings even better results. When planning school routes with children, they have proven to be the most honest, perceptive and committed mobility planners.
Our research shows that most children in our country prefer to travel to school actively – on foot, by scooter, skateboard or bicycle. Last spring, we asked nearly 12,000 pupils how they traveled to school and how they would like to travel to school. The results showed that almost 75% of children would like to actively travel to school , but only 35% are currently able to do so.
Since 2016 the programme has supported schools and municipalities in organizing accompanied active group travel on foot or by bike, Walking Buses or Bike Trains for the youngest pupils. During the European Mobility Week more than 60 Slovenian schools took part in the activity. Some schools plan to continue the activity throughout the school year. In addition, 10 schools aim to reduce car traffic and improve safety by setting up Kiss and Ride spots, with many hoping to continue these activities beyond the European Mobility Week.
Active and independent walking, cycling, or scooting to school provides children with daily physical activity, which has a positive impact on their health and well-being. It also has a positive effect on personal and social development, strengthening community ties and building independence, responsibility and self-confidence.
We encourage parents, schools, and municipalities to give children the opportunity to actively travel to school — not just during European Mobility Week, but every day of the school year!
