On April 26th, 2024, a key milestone in the WalkingBus Erasmus+ project was achieved through a co-design session held online between Mine Vaganti NGO and the local educational partner Associazione Culturale “Pitagora.” Although conducted virtually, the session marked a fundamental step in shaping the future of WalkingBus in Sassari, laying the groundwork for the pilot phase of this child-focused mobility initiative.
The main goal of the session was to collaboratively define the WalkingBus route to be implemented in upcoming pilot activities. Pitagora, with over 15 years of experience in supporting youth through after-school workshops for children aged 8 to 13, brought valuable local insight and community trust to the process. Together, the partners designed a route tailored to the children’s everyday paths—especially those who attend Pitagora’s educational center.
Using Open Street Maps (OSM), the team identified a walkable, safe, and meaningful path that considered essential criteria such as distance, pedestrian infrastructure, road conditions, and low traffic areas. The selected route is not only functional for the pilot but also intended to become a sustainable routine beyond the project’s duration.
Beyond the route, the session led to the agreement on key collaborative actions: the creation of a local committee composed of teachers and parents, regular meetings with pupils, and engagement sessions with families and schools. These steps aim to foster a sense of ownership and long-term impact.
In the coming weeks, children will actively participate in refining the route, transforming the WalkingBus into a co-created experience. This session exemplifies how inclusive planning and local cooperation are at the heart of sustainable and community-based mobility innovation.
