Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region promotes road safety culture among students
Students from across the region gathered at the Megaron Music Hall of Gümülcine (Komotini) on Tuesday, September 22, for an information event titled “European Mobility Week 2026: Mobility for all – Intergenerational justice.”
The event marked the culmination of the region’s activities for European Mobility Week and was organized in cooperation with the Regional Directorate of Education of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace Cultural Center.
The program also included the awards ceremony for the “Smart Mobility – Student Innovation in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace 2026” competition, showcasing students’ ideas for more sustainable mobility and a healthier environment.
Region reports road safety education for more than 25,000 students
Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis said the initiative was intended to encourage younger generations to develop safer habits both as pedestrians and cyclists today and as drivers in the future.
According to Topsidis, the region’s General Directorate of Transport has provided road-safety education to more than 25,000 students since 2024, which was designated as a year of road safety in the region.
The programs have been carried out in cooperation with the Regional Directorate of Education, the Hellenic Police and volunteers, with the stated aim of reducing road accidents and preventing loss of life.
Topsidis also said infrastructure improvements to the region’s road network can contribute to safety, while responsible behavior by road users is another important component.
He added that the region’s mobility-related initiatives will continue beyond European Mobility Week. Transport directorates from all 13 regions of Greece are scheduled to meet in Dedeağaç (Alexandroupoli) to exchange practices and discuss further measures.
The regional administration is also working with transport authorities across Greece on digital services designed to improve access to public services, according to Topsidis.
Focus on alternative forms of mobility
Irphan Chatzigené, the region’s Deputy Regional Governor for Transport, Communications and Good Practices in Citizen Services, said European Mobility Week provided an opportunity to encourage younger people to reduce their reliance on cars and make greater use of walking and alternative means of transport.
He said the objective was to reduce road accidents, particularly fatal crashes, while contributing to a safer road network across Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Students encouraged to become responsible road users
Mary Kosmidou, deputy director of the Regional Directorate of Education, said the education sector had used the initiative to give students an opportunity to express their views on sustainable mobility.
She emphasized the role of lifelong and sustainable education in helping students develop into citizens who respect themselves, other road users and future generations.
The organizers said the broader objective is to establish safer and more sustainable mobility habits from an early age, linking students’ behavior today with their responsibilities as future drivers and citizens.
