OŠ Toneta Tomšiča Knežak for the third time in a row winner of the program Safe on a Bicycle

OŠ Toneta Tomšiča Knežak has once again been recognized as the winning school of the "Varno na kolesu" program, marking its third consecutive victory in this initiative aimed at promoting road safety among children. The program, which has been active for 14 years, focuses on preparing young students for independent and safe participation in daily traffic while encouraging sustainable mobility. According to Maja Zužič, the leader of the "Varno na kolesu" program, the success of the 14th season was achieved with positive energy and collaboration between schools, parents, local communities, professional institutions, and businesses all sharing the common goal of ensuring child safety on roads. Each year, she noted, there is visible progress in how young cyclists think about their environment, becoming more thoughtful, aware, and prepared for the challenges of traffic. The most significant achievement by the Knežak students came within the framework of "Aktivno na kolesu," designed for students from grades one to nine. This activity aims to encourage widespread involvement of students and other participants in cycling culture. Throughout the entire school year, the institution organized numerous activities including a school competition on understanding traffic regulations, intergenerational cycling trips, and reporting on dangerous traffic points near the school. Both students and teachers recorded cycling kilometers throughout the academic year. In addition, students also prepared proposals for improving road infrastructure, actively thinking about creating a safer traffic environment for everyone involved. The comprehensive nature of the activities carried out and the inclusion of the whole community convinced the expert committee of the "Varno na kolesu" program. OŠ Toneta Tomšiča Knežak received special recognition for the best implementation of the Cycling Sports Day, where all students and staff participated. The total sum of achievements earned the school the main prize worth thousands of euros, awarded by the project organizer. In the category of "Postajam kolesar," where primary school students prepare for a cycling test and learn to identify critical points on their daily routes, the expert jury was particularly impressed by OŠ Mislinja. Students won the title with a digital guide titled "We Ride Safely and Smartly" intended for all generations. Just behind the winners were students from Knežak, who secured second place with content-rich and carefully prepared tasks. Fifth graders participated in various activities throughout the school year, enhancing their knowledge of traffic rules. From recycled materials, they created a bicycle model and reviewed the mandatory equipment parts of a bike. They also prepared literary contributions, a traffic quiz, and an online guide on safe cycling. A particularly interesting part was the comparative analysis of traffic regulations in Slovenia and abroad, where they found that Slovenia provides good protection for cyclists compared to some other countries. As a reward for national supporters, they earned protective helmets and an active sports day at the Velodrome and pools of the Olympic Center in Novo mesto. The success of the Knežak school highlights the importance of integrating educational initiatives into everyday learning experiences. By engaging both students and the broader community, such programs foster a deeper understanding of road safety and promote responsible behavior among young cyclists. The collaborative efforts between schools, families, and local organizations demonstrate the potential impact of sustained community engagement in shaping safer environments for children. The recognition of OŠ Toneta Tomšiča Knežak underscores the effectiveness of combining practical learning with real-world applications. Through hands-on projects and interactive activities, students gain valuable insights into traffic safety while contributing positively to their communities. These experiences not only enhance their personal skills but also instill a sense of responsibility towards public spaces and shared resources. Looking ahead, the continued success of the "Varno na kolesu" program suggests a growing commitment to fostering safe and sustainable transportation habits among future generations. With each passing year, the program's influence expands, reaching more students and inspiring new approaches to road safety education. As the initiative moves forward, it will likely continue to evolve, incorporating innovative methods and technologies to further engage students and reinforce the principles of safe cycling practices.