Between December 15th, 2024 and February 26th, 2025, the European project WalkingBus launched its pilot phase across three countries—Italy, Greece, and Türkiye. A total of nine pilot sessions were held during this period, engaging around 180 children in an exciting, safe, and educational alternative to the traditional school commute. These pilot activities proved essential to testing the methodology, uncovering both the strengths and areas for improvement in real-world contexts.
In Italy, the three sessions organized by MVNGO in Sassari provided a progressive testing ground. From the initial route planning and parent engagement to the introduction of storytelling and educational games during the walks, the Italian pilots demonstrated a steady evolution of the activity. Each session involved 20 children, volunteers, and school staff working together to create a safe and enjoyable walking environment. Feedback was gathered after each round, allowing for continuous refinement—such as introducing stop signs for volunteers, enhancing group coordination, and developing interactive strategies to keep children engaged.
In Greece, pilot activities in Thessaloniki focused on community involvement and assessing the project’s adaptability to urban contexts. Local schools collaborated in organizing the routes and ensuring that children felt safe and enthusiastic about the experience. Key learnings emerged around optimizing timing and deepening parental involvement.
Türkiye’s pilots, led by KARGENC in the region of Sakarya, highlighted the cultural adaptability of the WalkingBus concept. The sessions embraced a festive atmosphere, combining safety drills with creative elements like chants and group games. These activities helped build enthusiasm among children and created a sense of community responsibility around sustainable commuting.
Overall, the pilot sessions confirmed the viability of the WalkingBus model, while also offering invaluable insights into local adaptations. The active participation of 180 children across nine sessions showed strong potential for scaling up. Feedback collected will now guide improvements, helping transform WalkingBus into a replicable and sustainable mobility practice for schools across Europe.
