First Project Meeting in Finland

From 28 September to 1 October, the first project meeting with partners from different countries took place in Pori, Finland. The meeting was held at the premises of SATAKUNTA University of Applied Sciences.

During the meeting, Juris Smaļinskis, representing “Lauku ceļotājs”, shared Latvia’s experience in developing accessibility solutions along the long-distance hiking routes Jūrtaka and Mežtaka. The discussion focused on how infrastructure and information along these routes are being made more accessible to wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, families with young children, schoolchildren and other target groups.

During the visit, the project partners travelled to the Yyteri dunes, one of Finland’s best-known coastal areas, with extensive sandy beaches and dunes. There, they tested a wheelchair specially designed for use on sandy terrain and discussed opportunities for further developing accessibility solutions. The meeting took place at the Yyteri Visitor Centre.

The partners also explored another accessible mobility option – fatbikes, bicycles equipped with extra-wide tyres and electric assistance, which make it easier to travel on sandy and other challenging surfaces.