Bogotá helped children commute safely.
THIS PROJECT CAN HELP YOU ADDRESS:
• Safety concerns for students who walk through unsafe, high-traffic neighborhoods to get to school
• Low level of physical activity amongst students
• Disconnect between youth and surrounding community
THE PROBLEM
In Bogotá, around 520,000 students in the city get to school on foot – sometimes on narrow sidewalks in unsafe conditions, with little protection from Bogotá’s tumultuous traffic and safety threats.
THE SOLUTION
A walking caravan (“Ciempiés”) aimed at promoting a safer, more engaging commuting experience. Led by adult guides, participating children and parents meet at various pick-up points and walk together to and from school. During the trip, guides lead their student caravans in a series of educational games designed to raise awareness of their surroundings and teach road safety. Through the journey, kids score points, are rewarded with stickers, and mark their progress with badges they wear on their uniforms.
THE IMPACT
- 68% of parents feel Ciempiés is the safest way for their children to go to school*
- 20% average vehicle speed reduction in high-traffic, dangerous areas**
- Since the beginning of the program, over 2,700 students have participated and more than 100,000 walking caravans have been conducted.
*Impact Evaluation, SENSATA, 2019 **Study on speed reduction, World Resources Institute, 2019
DOZENS OF CITIES ARE PUTTING THESE IDEAS INTO ACTION
Discover the Stories Behind the Project
Bogota created a “walking school bus,” aimed at ensuring children’s safety and shortening their commute times
