School ecomobility is a range of travel solutions and actions designed to reduce the use of cars for home-school journeys. The emphasis is on cycling and walking, as distances are reduced.
In addition to limiting pollution and enhancing safety around schools, it encourages children's independence, improves their health and strengthens social ties.
School mobility plan
In 2023, the municipalities of Embrun, Chorges, Crots and Savines-le-Lac drew up a mobility plan for their schools (Plan de Déplacement Etablissement Scolaire or PDES), as part of the national MOBY program.
For each school, a plan of action in favor of alternative modes of transport has been co-constructed with the teaching staff, parents and pupils.
Actions include
- Chorges: closure to car traffic of the street serving the school in the mornings and evenings during school term time, deployment of the Savoir Rouler à Vélo program at school, "Rue aux enfants" organized on April 18 and 19, 2024, organization of a pedibus. To find out more, click here.
- Embrun: deployment of the Savoir Rouler à Vélo program in all the town's schools
Savoir Rouler à Vélo (SRAV)
Savoir Rouler à Vélo" is a cycle of learning to ride a bike in schools for children aged 6 to 11. The aim is to give them the basics and the desire to ride safely and independently on public roads, before they start secondary school.
There are many issues at stake:
- Developing children's independence
- Promoting physical activity
- Encourage the use of bicycles as a means of daily transport
The SRAV is currently being deployed by the Commune d'Embrun and the Commune de Chorges in their schools, with the support of teachers, Education Nationale services and bicycle instructors.
At the end of the 2024-2025 school year, the Communauté de communes de Serre-Ponçon supported the Châteauroux-les-Alpes school and financed the intervention of bicycle instructors. 24 CM1-CM2 pupils benefited from an SRAV cycle. By 2025-2026, the Communauté de communes de Serre-Ponçon aims to roll out the SRAV to all schools in the region.
Pédibus and vélobus
A pedibus is like a bus, but without an engine and with legs! Imagine a group of children walking together to school, guided by one or more adults (often parents). And for the velobus, it's the same story, but on a bike! There are even bikes that can carry several children at the same time!
The advantages are numerous:
- Solidarity between parents
- Social ties in the neighborhood
- Physical activity and fun for children
- Fewer cars around schools: less pollution, less noise, less risk
Many initiatives exist in France. If you'd like to try one, contact the Communauté de communes de Serre-Ponçon, which can provide you with the material and technical support you need to set up a line!
