#europanmobilityweek

School activities in Western Bulgarian towns

While celebration of European Mobility Week (EMW) already used to be a tradition in some of the bigger Bulgarian cities, it is still deeply unpopular in smaller and less populated settlements. That's why there is not enough attention paid among local communities on benefits of walking, cycling and wider use of public transport. Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation (BEPF) managed to organize and conduct educational activities and games related to sustainable mobility with school students from 5 small West Bulgarian municipalities (population between 3-18 thousand inhabitants).

More than 100 kids in age between 10 and 16 years from towns of Berkovitsa, Breznik, Chiprovtsi, Tran  and Godech took part in the events. Educational programme aimed to give knowledge to participants about advantages and disadvantages of different transport modes both in their own towns and larger cities. Impact on nature and built environment, benefits and risks for personal health were discussed. Bike competitions between participants were organized in school backyards and closely situated stadiums.

Photo:  Bulgarian Environmental Partnership Foundation (BEPF)

Students from Tran and Godech shared their opinion by filling up a survey on local traffic conditions and quality of urban environment. Children in Breznik conducted an observation on accessibility conditions in the area around the school. A few surveys on mobility behaviors were collected from local citizens. Results from surveys and observation can be used by school and municipal authorities for better understanding of challenges that students face every day on their way to school and back. Reasons for very limited bicycle use among children in daily trips will become more visible and clear.