Grants of the Commission on Transportation

Heavy traffic causes problems not only on main roads but also around schools. Many children, even those living in the vicinity of their schools, are driven to classes by their parents. Such children do not develop sustainable transport habits and according to surveys are less independent than those walking or cycling to school.

The Commission on Transportation believes that it is essential to teach the right attitude towards sustainable mobility from an early age. Therefore, the Commission has decided to announce "Bike to School" grant competition for UBC member cities and award the initiatives that promote biking to school among primary school children. The grant session is aimed at:

• promoting bicycle as a means of transport and encouraging children to cycle to school
• instilling sustainable transport habits from an early age
• teaching safe cycling
• reducing traffic congestion and speed in the school area
• reducing parking problems around schools.

A primary school willing to receive a grant should prepare a project/ programme concerning bicycle promotion for children aged 7-12. The project should be realized within the school year 2008/2009. It may encompass such initiatives as:

• organising "Bike to School" days and other bicycle events
• designing a poster promoting bicycle as a means of transport for pupils
• organising cycle trainings for children (including health and safety issues, bike checks, riding skills assessment etc.)
• preparing a series of articles promoting cycling for the school newsletter
• developing a website promoting cycling and including safe cycling tips as well as advice on bicycle maintenance etc.
• organising cycling competition.

Only one school from each UBC city can participate in the competition.

It is the City Hall/Council to decide which primary school will represent the city and thus participate in the competition. The Commission will choose and award 4 most interesting projects which meet the aims of the grant session and conditions described above. The winner will receive 2,000 euro and the other three best projects will receive a grant of 1,000 euro each. The deadline for sending the applications is 31 October 2008 and the results will have been announced by 14 November 2008.