Sustainable urban mobility programs that serve as active travel to school programs in Hungary: The case of Pedibus and Bicibus

Abstract

In the context of modern, sustainable urban development, various socio-technical innovations have proliferated in response to urban challenges, offering well-defined solutions. Since the 1970s, the so-called ‘backseat generation’, a group of children whose parents drive them to school daily, has emerged in developed countries, particularly in urban areas. This phenomenon has many adverse effects on children, the environment, and urban spaces. The present study addresses the issue of urban transport management, in particular, the issue of daily active transport to school. Based on literature analysis, it aims to present good international examples, such as the pedibus and the bicycle bus, which emphasize local values and resources in the light of the 'slow city' concept. The study concludes with a presentation and evaluation of the pilot programs (Pedibus in Gödöllő and Bicibus in Pécs) that have been established in Hungary in recent years. These programs provide a supervised, safe, group-based solution for school children and their families to get to school and build community between different generations.