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Description
According to the data from the European Commission, Poland is among the member states with the lowest bicycle traffic. It is a result of improper behavior on behalf of car drivers, such as breaking traffic laws, or lack of sufficient attention often excused by the mistaken belief that biker’s safety is his or her own responsibility. Many accidents are often a result of the lack of skills on behalf of bikers. The Polish system for training bicycle users is limited to school classes on traffic rules and the instructors are often without any special qualifications, while the youth don’t get the opportunity to practice in real traffic. We would like to address this issue by running a nationwide campaign on road safety for bicycle users and other unprotected road users. Students and teachers from selected schools from across Poland will be invited to participate. We will conduct a series of workshops for children and youth on road safety in practice, bicycles in towns, and initiatives by bicycle organizations that try to influence relevant policies. We will organize four seminars for individuals teaching about traffic and transit at schools and we will talk about the safety of unprotected traffic participants, as well as good methods for bicycle practice. We will create a modern training program for bicycle users that will be ready for implementation at schools. We will also organize a national conference for bicycle educators where we will train and connect activists and educators and individuals responsible for education and safety from all over Poland to work together on a reform of bicycle education program.
Summary of project results
The project focused on responding to several key societal challenges related to road safety, promotion of healthy lifestyles and environmental education.
The first of these challenges was the increase in the number of cycling accidents, especially among children and young people. This was often due to a lack of appropriate education and cycling friendly road infrastructure. The project therefore aimed to reduce the number of accidents by raising public awareness of safe cycling and providing effective educational tools for children, young people and teachers.
A second major challenge was the excessive number of people using cars as a means of short-distance transport, which contributes to air pollution and negatively affects public health. By promoting physical activity in the form of cycling, the project aimed to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere and improve the health of the population.
The project also responded to the need for environmental education, which is increasingly topical in the face of climate change and environmental degradation. By promoting the bicycle as an environmentally friendly means of transport and physical activity, the project encouraged the public to make more sustainable life choices and to care for the environment.
A key challenge was also to increase physical activity among children and young people and to reduce time spent in front of a computer or TV screen, by promoting cycling as an attractive form of leisure activity.
Finally, the project addressed the challenge of an inadequate cycling training system, which often did not provide adequate knowledge and skills necessary to cycle safely. Through the development of a model programme of cycling education and training for teachers and educators we aimed to improve the quality of training and increase public awareness of the issue.
The activities undertaken within the framework of the project were of several stages and included various initiatives aimed at the improvement of the quality of cycling education in Poland.
We started them with study visits to countries with developed cycling infrastructure, such as France, Belgium and the Netherlands, which allowed participants to learn about modern teaching methods and proven practices in safe cycling.
Subsequently, we launched training courses for teachers and educators - these provided a platform to share experiences and transfer knowledge on effective teaching strategies. Demonstration classes in schools and practical examinations conducted in real traffic conditions allowed pupils to gain practical skills and confidence in cycling.
Moreover, we have developed a model programme of cycling education "Programme of effective cycling education for school children and youth on traffic safety and promotion of active mobility". This programme contains a comprehensive set of teaching materials, practical exercises and lesson scenarios, adapted to different age groups and levels of advancement. We consulted the programme with experts in the field of education and road safety and representatives of the cycling community.
We also carried out an educational campaign, which included a wide range of activities - lectures and seminars, participation in cycling festivals and educational fairs and preparation of promotional materials and advertising spots. Its aim was to increase public awareness of the need to reform the cycling training system and the benefits of physical activity.
Additionaly we organised a national convention of cycling educators, which was a very good opportunity to discuss the future of the cycling training system and to develop a coherent strategy of action for further improvements. During the congress the participants discussed best practices, exchanged experiences and identified areas requiring further action. It was an important forum for the integration of the cycling educators'' community and the building of common relations and partnerships for further initiatives in this area.
Thanks to the implementation of the "Programme of effective cycling education for school children and youth on traffic safety and promotion of active mobility", pupils had access to specialised educational materials, workshops and practical lessons, which significantly raised their awareness of safe cycling. In addition, the promotion of physical activity through cycling led children and young people to use this mode of transport more often, which had a positive impact on their health and fitness.
Another group, which benefited from the project, were teachers and educators. Thanks to the training and educational materials prepared within the framework of the project they gained new tools and knowledge, which enabled them to carry out effective cycling education activities. This resulted in a better quality of teaching and greater physical activity among pupils.
The project was also of considerable importance for local communities and local authorities. By improving road safety, reducing accidents and promoting healthy lifestyles, these communities have been able to enjoy a better quality of life and increased attractiveness of their region for residents and tourists.