New generation at center of road safety initiatives in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
The new generation was placed at the center of road safety and sustainable mobility initiatives in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, as Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis attended a Children’s Cycling Festival in İskeçe (Xanthi) on Friday, September 18.
The event was held in the open-air area behind the Church of Hagia Sophia as part of European Mobility Week 2026, which runs from September 16 to 22 across Europe. The European Commission says this year’s campaign focuses on “Mobility for Everyone,” with particular emphasis on intergenerational fairness and accessible, inclusive and sustainable transport.
Children were at the heart of the festival, taking part in cycling and educational activities designed to introduce them to basic road safety principles in an engaging way. Through play and cycling, participants learned about safer mobility while highlighting the importance of creating urban spaces that are safer and more accessible for everyone.
“Road safety is a constant and non-negotiable priority for us in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace,” Topsidis said during the event.
He stressed that road safety is not limited to infrastructure and construction projects, but also depends on developing a new culture of mobility, with education from an early age playing a central role.
“Road safety must start at an early age. We want children to learn how to move safely, to know and respect the Highway Code, pedestrians, cyclists and every fellow citizen in public spaces,” Topsidis said.
He also highlighted cycling as an environmentally friendly form of transport that can help children develop responsibility, respect and an understanding of coexistence in shared public spaces.
“We want a region where everyone can move safely, with dignity and equal access to public space,” he added.
The Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is organizing activities across the region throughout European Mobility Week, with a particular focus on young people, road safety, and sustainable and equal mobility.
The regional governor thanked the region’s deputy governors and regional councillors, the Region’s Transport and Communications Directorates, participating organizations and citizens for their contribution to the Mobility Week activities.
The 2026 European Mobility Week is being held in more than 2,500 towns and cities, according to the European Commission, promoting cleaner, safer and more inclusive ways of getting around.
