by Nina Vaclavikova
Interviews: Caterina De Gavardo, Trieste Councilor for Safety; Manuela Cunsolo, Commissioner of the Local Police; Maurizio Tavcar
On Thursday, Largo Bonifacio, at the base of Viale XX Settembre, became a classroom without walls. From morning through late afternoon, Trieste’s local police officers engaged residents young and old in lessons on road safety, part of the broader European Mobility Week initiative that runs September 16–22.
The program, which welcomed schoolchildren, cyclists, motorcyclists, drivers, and pedestrians, offered a hands-on look at the risks and responsibilities of moving through a modern city. Officers highlighted the most common causes of traffic accidents they encounter daily — distraction, mobile phone use, and driving under the influence — underscoring the urgent need for awareness.
“This isn’t just about rules and fines,” one officer told us. “It’s about protecting lives, making sure children grow up understanding how to walk to school safely, and reminding adults that every distraction behind the wheel can have serious consequences.”
European Mobility Week, celebrated annually across thousands of cities, aims to shift attitudes toward more sustainable, active, and intelligent forms of transportation. This year’s theme, “Mobility for All,” emphasizes mobility as a universal right — one that should be safe, inclusive, and environmentally sound.
Trieste officials say the city’s participation reflects a commitment to rethinking urban life. By encouraging citizens to walk, cycle, or use public transportation, they hope to build a future where mobility does not pollute the air or endanger lives but instead strengthens the fabric of the community.
“We want people to understand that mobility isn’t a privilege for a few, but a right for everyone,” said a local representative at the event. “Creating safer, cleaner, and more accessible streets is essential if we want Trieste to remain a city where people can truly thrive.”
As children tried on miniature traffic vests and adults gathered around safety demonstrations, the message was clear: road safety is not only about enforcing laws but also about cultivating a culture of responsibility and inclusion.
