Safe routes to school
The Limassol Tourism Development and Promotion Company and Stratagem Energy Ltd, in the context of the European program ‘Civitas Destinations’, have been organizing workshops in Primary Schools in the Limassol region regarding ‘Safe Routes to school’. Fourteen primary schools participated in this action for the academic year 2019-2020.
The action ‘Safe Routes to School’ aims to promote the use of sustainable mobility as well as safe modes for students to move to and from school. More specifically, it concerns travelling to school on foot, by bike, by bus or with carpooling. Using sustainable mobility modes ensures a safer transfer with the minimum footprint to the environment.
Stratagem and Limassol Tourism Board have successfully implemented the action “Safe Routes to School” within the framework of the co-funded project CIVITAS DESTINATIONS, during the academic periods of 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020.
Workshops have been organized from 2018-2020 in the following schools: ΙΖ΄ Primary School (Kato Polemidia) Melinas Mercouri, Linopetra Primary School, Lanitio Primary School, Primary School of St. Antonios, Αgios Athanasios B’ Primary School, C’ Primary School ,Primary School of St. Ioannis , D’ Primary School, Primary School of Potamos Germasogia B, Primary School of ‘Agioi Anargyroi’ ,Moni-Monagroulli, Primary School of Apesia, Primary School of Mouttagiaka, Primary School of Germasogia, Primary School of Pissouri, Primary School of Erimi, Primary School of St. Panteleimon, Primary school of Linopetra, Primary School of Mesa Geitonia, KA’ Primary School and Primary School of St. Neofytos and Primary School of St Nicolas.
In total experimental workshops have been held in 46 primary schools where 2449 students have participated. Students had the opportunity to cycle and move on foot in the specially designed traffic park with traffic signals that was created in the school’s yard. Additionally, students attended a presentation on sustainable mobility modes and safety. They have also worked in groups, discussed about the different ways to go to school and in particular discussed about sustainable mobility as well as the benefits that emerged.
Moreover, students put their skills gained from the workshop into practice and cycle in the school yard as well as on the roads around school and develop cycling skills, use zebra crossings and practice how to cross a street, with the support of the police and teachers.
Also, a research regarding sustainable mobility and means of transportation from/to school is carried out among parents of primary school children. The results of the research will be announced upon completion of this effort.
In conclusion, all schools that participated in the action expressed their thanks and gratitude to take part in the project as well as their positive experience, schools expressed their interest for participating in future activities.
