Mobility school teaches youngsters the rules of the road

European Mobility Week may have just ended but it is leaving behind a legacy of tangible results that show society how it can work towards truly child-friendly cities.

One outstanding example has been the launch of the first Mobility School in Amadora, a satellite municipality of the Portuese city Lisbon. Its aim is to teach youngsters not only the rules of the road but also how to be better citizens through sustainable mobility, reports TheMayor.EU

With courses aimed at children aged from six to 14, the Mobility School represents a conceptual upgrade rather than the construction of brand-new infrastructure.

‘Children are the main vehicle for change’

It combines theoretical and practical classes, and by using various sustainable mobility electrical and pedal-powered vehicles the students will be able to learn how to be responsible and follow the rules of the road from a young age. The training also has what organisers call ‘a comprehensive and holistic goal of engendering better citizens, who are mindful of others and the environment’.

Ana Venânciok, President of the Parish Council of Falagueira-Venda Nova, which is partnering the Municipality of Amadora in this project, said: “This is a great challenge. Children are the main vehicle for change, and this is an opportunity to move environmental policies from paper to practice.”

Rui Ribeir, President of Portugal’s National Road Safety Authority, added: “We have to share and know how to live in a space of mobility. Road accidents have enormous social and economic costs.”

Click here for more about the Mobility School (Portugese only)

Click here for more about European Mobility Week resources, including practical toolkits and awards schemes.