Pedibus: space and citizenship

The knowledge and the progressive cognitive and relational "appropriation" of the neighbouring area (road, block, neighbourhood...) by the child are the basic conditions that lead to citizenship as a concept. In this context, the ‘Pedibus’ service, i.e. taking children to school on foot, has proved to be successful in particular if it is carried out during pre-school years. Walking along the same section of the street from home to school, observing and becoming familiar with some parts of the landscape surrounding the town or the neighbourhood, is a very useful geographic exercise that lays the foundations for a conscious expression of active citizenship. In addition, the distance covered with other children promotes the consolidation of relational skills and especially the development of behaviour,which entails the ability to observe the road rules, respecting other people and the natural and social environment.