At the National Center for Safe Routes to School, we believe that children deserve safe places to walk and bike, starting with the trip to school. By creating these safe places, communities take a major step towards meeting the national goal of ending traffic deaths on roads. The National Center leads the Vision Zero for Youth Initiative, National Walk/Bike & Roll to School Days, and a pilot quick build program. We work closely with the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center on several youth active travel resources.
USA and International Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Awards
Arlington County and Arlington Public Schools, VA received the 2024 USA Award in recognition of their bold steps to reduce transportation-related injuries or deaths and make youth a priority in their Vision Zero Action Plan. See new case study.
The 2024 International award recognized the nation of Moldova and the impressive accomplishments of two Moldovan working groups that prioritized slow speeds near schools. In 2022, the Moldovan government introduced 30 km/h speed zones around school zones.
Nine Strategies Cities Use to Prioritize Safe, Active Travel for Children and Youth
Cities strive to be places where children and families thrive. How does this goal translate to prioritizing safe walking and biking in a real way? We asked city officials from the first six cities to receive the Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award for their insights on what makes a difference. Nine common insights emerged.
Engaging Youth to Advance Safer Streets for All
Two Vision Zero for Youth resources were created in a collaboration between youth activists and researchers: “Guide and Inspiration for Partnership Between Youth and Adults” and “Recommendations for Meaningful Youth Engagement.” They provide a framework and recommendations for meaningfully engaging youth to advance safer streets for all.
Creating Accessible, Equitable, Safe, and Complete Networks for Young Pedestrians
Streets in the U.S. are often not designed with a consideration for children’s needs. Read three actionable ideas for transportation professionals to improve planning for child and youth active travel to contribute to safe, complete networks for all users.
Walking to School: Connecting Past and Present Impacts
StoryMap explores the ongoing impact of segregation and present-day social factors on street conditions near schools, spotlighting Atlanta and a school improvement initiative.
What We’re Learning from Quick Build Projects
Read case studies of how Atlanta, GA, Detroit, MI, and Cincinnati, OH used $10,000 grants to tackle needs for safety improvements and create community buy-in. Coming soon: Case studies from quick build projects in Jemez Pueblo, NM and Winterville, NC. The project was made possible by GM supported a range of improvements to fit various design and cultural contexts.
2024 National Events Have Record Participation
2024 Bike and Roll to School Day had a 70% increase over 2023 with 2,586 schools registered. Nearly one-third reported infrastructure change as a result of events. 2024 National Walk & Roll to School Day reached its highest number in five years with 4,281 registered events. Nearly one-half of events are part of ongoing promotion of walking and biking.