Experiential training of kids on the safe cycling and walking
About this good practice
The training programme comprises a short course (30’-45’) on safe cycling & walking and is addressed to kids of primary and secondary school age. It is offered outdoors, usually in an empty public or private space (e.g. yard, park, square), where a traffic educational park is applied temporarily, in-situ and on-demand, by using proper educational plastic traffic material equipment.
The experiential course includes two components. The first one focuses on theory training & information provision to kids before they enter the education park, e.g. proper usage of helmet, interpretation of traffic signs, tips for bicycle usage, etc. The second one concerns the practical exercise of the trainees on cycling & walking following the traffic rules and signs, being guided by the trainers.
Apart from the ‘traffic park’, the setting includes also an info desk for the activities of registration, evaluation and certificates’ awarding, and an open kiosk accommodating the theoretical part of the lesson.
Kids are called to bring their own bike and helmet; however some pieces of multiple sizes are brought by the organiser for any case. Upon completion of the training, participants are awarded a ‘Cyclist Diploma’.
The primary goals of the training are: preventing accidents, encouraging active mobility, promoting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle to be integrated into the daily life.
The physical presence of parents on the spot is encouraged to increase their awareness on active mobility.
Resources needed
The action requires some material equipment (plastic traffic cones, signs, etc.) and trainees and/or volunteers on the field (6-8 persons).
Also, resources are required for the preparation and dissemination of the event (i.e. flyers, short information material, certificates, social media, etc.).
Evidence of success
According to founder, Mr. Skordas, participation was higher than expected: 211 (2021) & 40 (2022) kids of 5-14 years-old. Many kids were migrants, so the course had a side-effect by contributing to their integration. A local Mayor expressed his willingness to expand it further.
Evaluation results (in ’22):
-satisfaction from content: 70% very much
-pay attention when cycling after course: 70% much more
-cycle after course: 70% more often
-willingness to attend a similar course again: 100%
Potential for learning or transfer
The training has been designed and offered in the Municipality of Ampelokipi-Menemeni by the NGO ‘ENODIA - Experiential Training in Safe Mobility’, building on the past similar experience of an urban cyclists’ association ‘Podilatiki Apo-Drasi of Pieria’ (from Katerini City). In this sense, it comprises an example of knowledge and practice transfer towards direct consultation and mobility behavioural change in favour of sustainable modes.
There is a great potential of being transferred in other cities and towns across Europe, especially in cases where cycling does not comprise a popular mean of transport and the training infrastructure (traffic education park) is missing or limited.
Since there is no need for a permanent traffic park, the concept of this experiential training can be also adopted by any School, applying it in the frame of its typical curriculum or its extra educational activities (e.g. education clubs on thematic topics).
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.