On the morning of Sunday, March 29, the Esplanade du Larvotto was transformed into a center for community education and athletic engagement as the Principality hosted the second edition of Road Safety Day. The event, organized by the Fondation Princesse Charlène, sought to bridge the gap between sports and public safety through a series of interactive, family-oriented workshops. Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene were in attendance to lead the initiative. They were accompanied by Mr. Gareth Wittstock, Secretary General of the Foundation, and Ms. Anne Boggio, the Foundation’s Director, as they explored various installations designed to promote "gentle mobility" and road awareness in a spirit of community sharing.
The success of the day relied on a broad coalition of Monégasque institutions, including the Croix-Rouge Monégasque, the Sapeurs-Pompiers, the Sûreté Publique, the SMA, and the professional cycling organization La Vuelta. Together, these groups provided the expertise necessary to create a pedagogical environment for the public. The Prince and Princess toured several key educational zones, starting with the Animation Village, which featured playful spaces designed to sensitize both children and adults to road hazards. For those seeking more active engagement, a dynamic Pumptrack was available for enthusiasts, while a dedicated Road Safety Circuit allowed participants to perfect their bicycle handling and build confidence on two wheels. Additionally, the Monabike Challenge was introduced as a unique sporting endeavor to promote the use of electric bicycles within the urban environment.
Beyond the stationary workshops, the day featured a significant test of physical stamina. At 9:45 a.m., the "kick-off" was given for an endurance challenge involving seven teams comprised of local personalities and representatives from various Monégasque institutions. These teams participated in an eight-hour relay through the streets of the Principality. According to organizers, each kilometer traveled served as a symbol of the collective commitment to a safer, more responsible road network. The event concluded by reaffirming the Foundation’s core mission of protecting and educating the youth by combining the benefits of sport with essential safety prevention.
Photo credits: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier