Trenčín 2026 has begun collaborating on temporary interventions around elementary schools in Trenčín, aiming to improve the quality and safety of public spaces where children walk daily to and from school.
Safer Streets Through School Mobility Plans
Pleasant and safer streets around schools could become a reality through School Mobility Plans, which identify problems and propose solutions. These plans are being developed in partnership with the city of Trenčín and the Slovak University of Technology as part of the long-term Mobilities for EU project.
From a One-Day Pedestrian Zone to Permanent Change
All eight municipal elementary schools will gradually become involved in the project. The initiative also includes Streets for Children events, in which Trenčín 2026 actively participates. During these events, streets are opened for children to play and for cultural and educational activities. Cars are replaced by activity stations and a relaxing chill-out zone equipped with portable furniture, which becomes a cultural hub for students.
The events are organized by the city of Trenčín in cooperation with the Institute of Participation Trenčín, Doprava na Považí, the Slovak University of Technology, and other partners. The primary goal is to gather feedback from children on traffic safety in their school environments. This feedback, along with input from teachers and parents, will help create both temporary and, eventually, permanent changes.
Art as a Pathway to Safer Streets
Based on the collected data, the first phase will implement temporary changes in traffic organization. As part of these adjustments, Trenčín 2026 will introduce artistic interventions, such as asphalt paintings, to make these areas not only safer but also more pleasant for children.
The measures will be designed to slow down car traffic and provide more space for safe movement and leisure activities for children. The pilot interventions could take place as early as 2025.
European Trend in Traffic Calming Around Schools
Traffic calming around schools is becoming a widespread trend across Europe. A notable example of increasing safety through artistic street paintings is the City for Children project in Bratislava.
