Safe routes to school in Barcelona

Child in the City reports that civic leaders in Barcelona have embarked on an ambitious new project to transform school environments and turn them into safe, healthy and less-polluting spaces. The city council will revamp 200 schools in the area by 2023, by improving access, reducing traffic and expanding ‘green areas’.

Image credit: Child in the City

Reducing traffic and freeing up space for people in educational centres means more space for families to meet and more neighbourhood life – spending more time on the street also encourages walking and consumption in local shops.

Barcelona city council

Our view

It’s great to see city councils invest in traffic calming around schools, to improve access, safety, and public health. Even better would be to see similar levels of focus and investment by our local and state governments in Yarra and Victoria.


Published 13th January 2021.