The Azkoitia City Council has launched the 'Eskolara Oinez' (Walking to School) initiative, in collaboration with Floreaga Ikastetxea and Xabier Munibe Ikastola, with the aim of encouraging local children to walk to school. This project is part of the School Agenda 2030 program and is aimed at students in Early Childhood and Primary Education.
The council's goal is to improve mobility in the town and make Azkoitia a healthier, safer, and more pleasant place for families. To this end, departure points and schedules for walking to schools have been defined at signposted stops. Six departure points have been established: Anaitasuna square in Altzibar, Txalonerreka, the Floreaga neighborhood park, Santa Klara street, the Altamira neighborhood, and Trenbidearen Zumardia street. These points will be grouped into four routes, identified by different colors, and in some cases, groups will merge, such as those starting from Altamira and Trenbidearen Zumardia street, which will meet in front of the library.
“"For the program to work, a small group of volunteer families must be formed in each school, who will be responsible for organizing shifts, managing incidents, or proposing improvements."
To ensure the children's safety, volunteer parents will accompany them along the route, wearing identifiable vests. The City Council has emphasized that the participation of volunteers is crucial for the program's success, as they will help organize shifts and propose improvements.
This initiative also represents a commitment to sustainable mobility, by reducing the use of private cars for short journeys, thus avoiding the pollution, noise, and traffic jams they generate. Furthermore, it promotes children's physical activity, improving their health and physical fitness, fostering their autonomy and responsibility, and strengthening their interpersonal relationships.
To explain the program's details, an informational meeting for parents and guardians will be held next Tuesday, May 12, in the Oteiza room of Elkargune, starting at 6:30 PM.
