Seven Santa Cruz Schools Join European STARS Program to Promote Sustainable Commuting

Seven schools in Santa Cruz de Tenerife have officially joined the European STARS program, an initiative designed to change how students travel to school. Announced by the City Council and the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) on Tuesday, October 27, the project aims to move away from a reliance on private cars and instead encourage students to travel to school independently and safely.

The program is a joint effort between the city’s Mobility and Citizen Security departments and the Local Police Retirees Association. It goes beyond basic road safety lessons by focusing on the bigger picture: improving pedestrian routes and redesigning the areas around schools. Through community forums and cycling training provided by the Cronotropo Vial association, the project hopes to change the travel habits of students, teachers, and families alike.

The schools receiving accreditation are CEIP Rambla de Santa Cruz, CEIP La Rosa, and high schools IES Andrés Bello, IES María Rosa Alonso, IES Las Veredillas, IES Alcalde Bernabé Rodríguez, and IES El Sobradillo.

This initiative reflects a shift in Spanish public policy, where road safety is now viewed as a matter of urban design and public health rather than just discipline. By helping students travel to school sustainably, authorities hope to reduce traffic congestion during peak hours and make the city more pedestrian-friendly. This partnership between the city council and the DGT highlights a commitment to building a culture of responsible, efficient travel from a young age, in line with broader European goals for greener, more livable cities.