Detailed description (English): In the surroundings of the Bratislava schools, we have created a safe and pleasant public space with the help of tactical urbanism, where children can move freely and safely. Crossroads in the vicinity of several schools in Bratislava firstly underwent a temporary, simple modification, making them more pleasant and safer for both children and adults. The main modification consisted in changing the geometry of intersections and expanding the areas dedicated to pedestrians. In their original state, intersections were very wide, which allowed cars to pass through them at high speed. By narrowing the traffic corridor, we aimed to comply with the maximum permitted speed of 30 km/h. The measures also included the creation of places for children to safely get out of the car, the addition of cycle lanes and new crossings. This approach to urban planning emphasizes quick and temporary interventions to improve public spaces. Tactical urbanism often uses flexible and quick solutions at low cost, such as art installations, cycle paths, portable furniture, and greenery. Part of our tactical urbanism was also asphalt art. This artistic intervention was created on sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and intersections with the aim of increasing the visibility of pedestrians, highlighting areas reserved for pedestrians and facilitating orientation for all road users. With the help of public participation and street events, this initial approach served as a pilot test phase and was later replaced by subsequent permanent urban changes.
Target group(s): school children, caregivers and other street users
Objectives: This mobility action tests temporary traffic changes in the vicinity of schools using participation and tactical urbanism before the introduction of permanent construction modifications with the aim of supporting children and their parents to active mobility. Thanks to asphalt art, not only a pleasant public space was created, but also safe road corridors for the most vulnerable road users. These simple creative interventions not only aesthetically enrich public space and the urban environment, but also contribute to increasing safety and comfort for all residents and visitors to the city. They served as a pilot testing before introducing permanent interventions.
Partner: UNICEF
Slovakia