Green Velocity - Crash the Habit. Future is Forward

This summer, Thessaloniki is set to host an extraordinary international campaign focused on accident prevention and sustainable mobility. Known as Green Velocity: Crash the Habit — Future is Forward, this initiative is organized by ESAEI EN ROI and the Panhellenic Support Association of Families of Road Accident Victims. The campaign brings together art, science, education, and a sense of responsibility to inspire all of us to rethink our transportation habits.

Imagine a world where safer streets and greener transport options become the norm. This campaign is a call to action for young people, youth workers, and experts from around the world to join forces and break the harmful patterns that lead to road accidents and harm our environment. At its core, the message is clear: art can inspire change. It can motivate communities to enhance their quality of life through safer and more sustainable transportation choices.

Thessaloniki's vibrant port area, a key location for the campaign.

What to Expect

The Green Velocity campaign features a multitude of engaging activities designed to fully involve participants.

Therapeutic Art Workshops

A highlight of the event will be the therapeutic art workshops. Participants will have the chance to express their feelings and experiences related to road safety. For instance, painting or sculpting can help individuals process their emotions and share their hopes for safer roads. This form of creative expression fosters a deeper understanding of the issues at stake, which is crucial for collective learning.

Cinema Club and Micro-Theatre

The campaign will also include a cinema club showcasing impactful films that center around accident prevention and responsible mobility. After each screening, participants can join discussions that encourage critical thinking about the themes presented. The micro-theatre performances will bring real-life stories to the stage, highlighting the personal impact of road accidents. These narratives serve as a powerful reminder of why we need to prioritize safety on our roads, potentially reducing accidents, which, according to the World Health Organization, claim 1.3 million lives each year globally.

A theatrical performance illustrating personal stories related to road safety.

Educational Visits

Participants will embark on educational visits to local museums, such as the War Museum of Thessaloniki and the Railway Museum. This experience connects historical insights with contemporary methods of prevention. Learning about past transport challenges can inform our understanding of how to create safer practices today. For instance, when we examine the evolution of rail safety, we see how changes in technology have significantly reduced accident rates, underscoring the importance of ongoing education.

Expert Discussions and Training

The campaign will feature discussions led by experts and specialized training sessions. This approach will provide participants with valuable insights into road safety and sustainable practices. For example, learning about the Oone recent statistic shows that implementing certain traffic calming measures can reduce accident rates by up to 30%. Equipped with this knowledge, individuals can become advocates for change within their own communities.

The Final Symposium

Concluding the campaign, a final symposium will take place on July 25, 2025. This significant event will present the outcomes and expectations of the campaign while promoting public dialogue about our shared responsibility for road safety and sustainable mobility. Participants will discuss impactful strategies aimed at further reducing accidents and encouraging eco-friendly transportation options.

Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue during the symposium.

Moving Forward Together

Green Velocity: Crash the Habit — Future is Forward is more than an event; it is a movement that aims to unite people across diverse backgrounds toward a shared goal of safety and sustainability. By participating in workshops, discussions, and creative sessions, we can each contribute to changing the behaviors that lead to accidents and harm the environment.

Everyone has a role in this vibrant campaign, and together we can take significant steps toward a safer, greener future. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn, connect, and foster lasting positive change in transportation! Let’s work together to crash the habit for good!