On October 24th, 2024, the WalkingBus National Seminar in Greece brought together 29 participants—including parents, teachers, researchers, and community members—via Zoom for an insightful online session titled “Train the Walker.” Co-organized by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) and Tero PC, the event aimed to prepare local stakeholders to safely and effectively implement the WalkingBus initiative across Greek communities.
The seminar focused on two main pillars: road safety and environmental sustainability. AUTh led the safety component, covering essential protocols, supervision techniques, and emergency procedures for organizing safe walking routes to school. Tero, meanwhile, addressed the environmental benefits of the initiative, emphasizing how reduced car use contributes to cleaner air, lower emissions, and a more livable urban environment.
Despite some technical challenges—such as connectivity issues and varying levels of digital literacy—the participants engaged actively. The Q&A session revealed strong interest, with questions ranging from route planning and supervision ratios to promotion strategies and the adaptability of WalkingBus in different urban and suburban contexts.
Participants appreciated the balance between practical safety training and advocacy guidance. Many expressed confidence in organizing routes and mobilizing community support. Feedback indicated a high satisfaction rate, with calls for more localized case studies and future in-person sessions to enhance engagement.
Following this training, three pilot rounds of WalkingBus will be implemented in Greece. The lessons learned and materials used in the seminar will serve as the foundation for wider replication across the country. With strong community motivation and institutional backing, Greece’s WalkingBus network is set to take significant steps toward safer, greener school mobility.
