Keyword helmets and safety equipments; cycling as a system; services; campaigning and awareness rising; car free days, European mobility week

The promotion of cycling and walking as modes of urban transport requires the development of appropriate services, such as additional pedestrian crossings, improved pavements, school zones, traffic calming, parking restrictions, bike paths and adequate parking areas for bikes. Training, publicity and other educational tools to encourage cycling and walking as a means of transportation in urban areas are also essential elements in such a policy. They should also include issues such as road safety and personal security as well as health and environment benefits.

Cycling and walking should become more popular for children commuting to school. This entails strict safety measures that need to be respected and enforced to avoid or at least minimize the risk of accidents. The minimum safety measures for children walking to school are bright and reflective clothing, supportive shoes and backpacks. A walking bus is an initiative to encourage more children, accompanied by adults, to walk to school and by doing so reduce traffic and congestion outside schools. Children who cycle to school should wear helmets and other safety equipment. To encourage cycling and walking and to promote their benefits, awareness campaigns are a useful way to explain, convince and educate the public. Car free days and sustainable mobility weeks are also good tools in the promotion of cycling and walking.