Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award
Recognizing places in the United States that are leading the way in prioritizing children’s pedestrian and bicyclist safety
Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award. Today cities of all sizes are committing to eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries, often as part of Vision Zero initiatives. A growing number are focusing on improving safety for youth. This award recognizes places in the United States that are leading the way in prioritizing children’s safety. Now in its third year, the award is given annually by the National Center for Safe Routes to School in partnership with the FIA Foundation and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. Communities of all sizes are encouraged to apply.
About The Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award
The first award was presented to the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District for their commitment to children’s safety, Vision Zero and Safe Routes to School. Their focus on traffic calming, a partnership between the city and school district, data-driven approach, and the culture of safety they work to cultivate offer examples for how other communities might prioritize children’s safety within Vision Zero or other transportation safety initiatives.
In 2019 New York City and its Vision Zero Task Force were recognized for significant safety improvements that have benefitted youth throughout the city. The city uses roadway design improvements and safety cameras in school zones to reduce speeds and make crossings safer for its residents and visitors. A broad assembly of organizations collaborates to implement Vision Zero and engage young people to serve as their own advocates for safe streets.
Award recipients will be featured in a news release, case studies, and newsletter articles. The National Center for Safe Routes to School will seek conference presentations and webinar opportunities to feature the recipients as speakers.
Eligibility
- The application may be submitted by the intended recipient or by an outside individual or organization.
- The award recipient can be a city or county government.
- Vision Zero commitment is not a requirement.
- Any population size will be considered.
- Must demonstrate at least two of the criteria listed below.
Criteria and selection
Applicant communities should have at least two of the following:
- Changes in design/speed in places where children walk and bike
- Reductions in deaths and injuries or changes in vehicle speeds along those corridors
- Work with the community to create support for traffic calming measures that began with a focus on child pedestrians and/or bicyclists.
- Establishment of policies that benefit child pedestrians or bicyclists
- Vision Zero plan with strategies beyond education that focus on children and youth
- Multi-sector partnerships that share a priority for child safety (does not have to be the only priority)
- Evidence of public and/or political support for child pedestrian and bicyclist safety
- Use of evidence-based approaches
Submission process
- Review the application questions. Because no account creation is required, it may be helpful to prepare answers before using the submission form as the form needs to be completed in one session.
- Complete the application submission form by Dec 8, 2019.
- Award selection will be made on January 2020. Presentation of the award will take place in February or March 2020, in coordination with the award recipient.
