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Tallinn’s subsidy initiative gears up children for safer cycling
Tallinn has launched a subsidy programme to help children aged 10 to 15 buy bicycles and bike helmets.
Headed by Mayor of Tallinn Mihhail Kõlvart, city authorities stressed the importance of developing healthy habits, including cycling.
Residents can apply for a one-time subsidy of up to EUR 100 for the purchase of a bicycle for children between 10 and 15 years of age who have recently received their bicycle driving license.
Children who have received their licenses in the year of application or the year before are eligible, with Tallinn noting that additional EUR 25 will be available for the purchase of bike helmets.
Deputy Mayor Joosep Vimma noted that the move will improve mobility and safety, reminding that Tallinn wants one quarter of trips to and from school to be made by bike in the coming years.
He pointed out that everyone benefits from more bicycle traffic as it improves air quality and lowers congestion.
Residents who have received the subsidy for the purchase of a bicycle last year may apply for the bike helmet subsidy this year. City authorities noted that it received 324 applications thus far, of which 305 have been approved.
Tallinn stressed that the project will make children safer in traffic by promoting bicycle driving licenses for kids. It will also help the city to reach the targets of EU Green Capital 2023 by making it more environmentally friendly.
(Photo credit: Tallinn)
