Winning Hearts & Minds for Safety: Safe Streets for All Strategies at the Safe Routes to School National Conference

Bev Brody and Justin Menina Share Insights at Safe Routes to School National Conference.

Author: Bev Brody, Get Fit Kaua‘i

The Safe Routes to School National Conference in Fort Collins brought together educators, transportation planners, advocates, and community leaders dedicated to improving safety and accessibility for students commuting to and from school. The event featured a variety of workshops, presentations, and discussions on key topics such as active transportation, infrastructure improvements, policy development, and community engagement. Participants exchanged best practices and innovative solutions to create safer, healthier routes for children, with a particular emphasis on fostering collaboration between schools, local governments, and organizations.

Keynote speakers and breakout sessions highlighted successful case studies and strategies for overcoming the challenges of making school commutes safer and more sustainable. Fort Collins, Colorado, a city known for its commitment to active transportation, provided the ideal backdrop for this gathering of passionate advocates, all working toward the shared goal of making walking and biking to school a safer, more viable option for students nationwide.

In addition to the structured sessions, the conference offered numerous networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and form partnerships to drive Safe Routes to School initiatives in their own communities. Interactive exhibits showcased innovative products and solutions, from walking and biking safety gear to technology platforms that track and analyze school commute patterns.

Fort Collins is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a city embraces active transportation. With its walkable downtown, extensive bike infrastructure, and ongoing commitment to sustainable mobility, the city provided conference attendees with a firsthand look at successful Safe Routes to School programs.

Guided tours allowed participants to see how Fort Collins has integrated these principles into its schools and neighborhoods, reinforcing the message that Safe Routes to School initiatives can be a game-changer for communities.

One of the highlights of the conference was a session by Bev Brody and Justin Menina, who presented the Kaua‘i Kilauea Safe Routes to School Project. Their presentation, titled “Winning Hearts & Minds for Safety: Safe Streets for All Strategies,” was attended by about 50 participants and focused on how community engagement, thoughtful design, and advocacy can transform street safety for children.

The Kilauea School Project aimed to improve pedestrian safety around the school by involving the local community at every stage of the planning and implementation process. Bev and Justin emphasized that creating safe streets is not just about engineering; it’s about empowering communities to advocate for change. The project demonstrated that when people come together to push for safer streets, they can make a lasting impact on their neighborhoods—creating safer, more walk-able spaces for all.

Overall, the conference was an inspiring and hands-on event, equipping attendees with the tools, knowledge, and connections to improve the safety and accessibility of school routes across the country. The collective energy and shared commitment of participants underscored the importance of community-driven efforts in advancing Safe Routes to School initiatives and ensuring that all students have safe, accessible paths to school.