New
Step by step to improve public spaces in front of schools
02. 10. 2024
Mobility
As part of the European Mobility Week, SEA employees continued the activity "Go to school on your own" at Golianova Primary School in Banská Bystrica. The aim of the activity, implemented as part of the LIFE IP project - Improving air quality, is to raise the awareness of pupils, parents and teachers about the importance of walking and cycling as an alternative to the use of cars when transporting children to school.
Already in the spring of 2024, mapping of critical points around the school, where the danger for pedestrians most often occurs, such as unclear intersections, missing pedestrian crossings, inappropriate parking of cars on the sidewalks or directly in front of the school, etc., took place together with the students. The result is a feeling map and a proposal for measures to improve the public space around the school. This includes, among other things, the installation of new pedestrian crossings, improved signage and the establishment of safe parking zones for dropping off students.
As part of the activity on 19th September, a car count was conducted during the morning rush hour (7 AM – 8 AM), recording 270 vehicles passing in front of the school, along with 145 cars dropping off students directly at the school. Many parents may not realize that their actions contribute to air pollution, which their children then breathe, and also making the area around the school less safe. SEA staff measured air pollution levels, focusing on dust particles, using handheld sensors outside the school. The event also featured a survey called "How did you get here?" with participation from both students and parents.
The results of the measurements, a feeling map with proposed measures and other outputs of the "Go to school on your own" activity will be submitted to the city of Banská Bystrica with the aim of finding solutions to problem areas around the school. Campaigns to support raising parents' awareness of the ultimate consequences of large cars in transporting children to school are also important.
