Sustainable Bike Tour Through Salamanca

Jahnia Treadwell
September 20, 2024
BYT

Hola mi gente!

During European Mobility Week, IES Abroad Salamanca organized a sustainable bike tour, and I couldn’t have been more excited to be part of it. For those who don’t know, European Mobility Week is all about encouraging people to swap cars for public transport, walking, or biking; and this event was the perfect way to see Salamanca’s green initiatives in action.

Learning About SAVIA: Salamanca’s Green Strategy

Before the ride, we learned about SAVIA, Salamanca’s strategy for a sustainable future. It’s all about blending the city’s rich cultural history with nature by creating new green spaces. Honestly, I loved seeing how a city with so much history is still looking ahead and prioritizing sustainability. The initiative reflects the idea that history and progress can coexist beautifully—a message we can all take to heart.

Eye-Opening Insights from ISGlobal

Before hitting the road, we also discussed a recent study by ISGlobal that analyzed data from 1,000 European cities. The results were truly eye-opening: a lack of green spaces contributes to a significant number of deaths across Europe. It’s wild to think about how something as simple as urban greenery can impact our health—mentally, physically, and even when it comes to reducing heat in cities. This was an important reminder of how urban planning directly affects quality of life and well-being.

Exploring Salamanca on Two Wheels

The bike ride itself lasted about three hours, and it was such a unique way to explore Salamanca. We visited various green spaces, recycling points, and even community gardens where people can grow their own food. It was a hands-on experience that showed me how sustainability isn’t just a distant goal—it’s something tangible and achievable. Seeing these efforts in action reminded me that small steps, like creating more green spaces or choosing to bike instead of drive, really do add up.

A City That Balances Culture and Sustainability

By the end of the ride, I couldn’t help but feel inspired. Salamanca’s efforts show that it is possible to preserve culture while still prioritizing the environment. This wasn’t just a bike ride; it felt like a call to action for all of us to think about how we can live more sustainably in our daily lives. Whether that means biking more often, recycling responsibly, or supporting local green projects, there are always ways to make a positive impact.

Small Steps Make a Big Difference

It’s easy to feel like our individual efforts won’t make a difference, but this experience was a powerful reminder that every little bit counts. Salamanca gets it. By creating green spaces, promoting cycling, and encouraging sustainability, the city demonstrates what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared purpose.

Final Thoughts

I feel so grateful to have witnessed Salamanca’s green initiatives firsthand. It’s inspiring to see a city with so much history look boldly toward a more sustainable future. This experience left me motivated to think about my role in promoting sustainability wherever I go.

Until next time!

Signing off,

Jahnia 

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Jahnia Treadwell Headshot

Jahnia Treadwell

Hello! My name is Jahnia, and I am Afro-Latina—Puerto Rican and Black. I am a senior studying psychology. As a first-generation student, I hope to provide advice to prospective first-gen students and blog my adventures in Salamanca, Spain!!

Destination:
Term:
2024 Fall
Home University:
Bucknell University
Hometown:
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Major:
Psychology
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