Publication Details

Engaging youth to advance safer streets for all: Guide and inspiration for partnership between youth and adults

Type: Paper

Author(s): Collard de Beaufort, Alison; Marchetti, Lauren M.; Smith, Jennifer L.; Pullen-Seufert, Nancy

Publisher: National Center for Safe Routes to School

Url: https://www.visionzeroforyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/VZY_YouthEngagement_Guide.pdf

Publication Date: 2023

Address: Chapel Hill, NC

Abstract: In the United States and across the globe, youth have spurred the evolution of social norms and values. From civil rights to global climate change and the movement to end gun violence, youth have been key changemakers. This is also true for transportation safety. Youth in high school and early adulthood across the country have a long track record of caring about road safety and are having an impact on safe transportation in their communities. Many young leaders were motivated to act after a traffic crash that impacted their school community. They are encouraging more walking and biking and advocating for infrastructure improvements and policy change, all to create safer, more livable communities for everyone. Meaningful youth engagement is key to these successes and calls for an understanding by both adults and youth of what is needed for successful partnerships. Each can benefit immensely from the other and can work together to accomplish each of their goals. This brief guide provides a framework for meaningful engagement of youth in addressing transportation safety. The guide covers: Centering youth, Meaningful youth engagement, and Youth voices shaping active transportation. A separate companion document, Engaging Youth to Advance Safer Streets for All: Recommendations for Meaningful Youth Engagement, features ways to take action for meaningful youth engagement.