Minneapolis is one of two cities in the country to receive the 2025 Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award from the National Center for Safe Routes to School.
Now in its eighth year, the Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award honors cities, counties, and tribal governments working to eliminate severe injuries and deaths among children walking and biking.
Minneapolis was recognized for prioritizing youth transportation safety by focusing on policy changes, improving transportation infrastructure, and cultivating strong partnerships.
"Our kids need to be focused on what they're learning in school, not whether or not they're going to get there safely," said Mayor Jacob Frey. "This award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating safer streets, where every child and every adult can walk and bike without worry."
Minneapolis leads the way in youth traffic safety
The award committee recognized the collaborative work of the City of Minneapolis and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) on Vision Zero traffic safety and Safe Routes to School. These efforts include:
- A citywide 20 mph speed limit on local neighborhood streets
- Traffic safety improvements around schools
- Universal bicycle safety education during school for fourth and fifth-grade students
- A pilot program for speed safety cameras near schools
- Youth engagement to inform policy and street improvements
“Minneapolis Public Schools is proud to be recognized for its efforts around creating safer routes to school for our students who bike and walk,” said MPS Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams. “Our student bike education programs combined with the city improvements like upgraded streets and reduced speed limits have a positive effect on our students’ safety.”
About Vision Zero for Youth
Launched in 2016 by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, the Vision Zero for Youth initiative encourages communities and elected officials to focus on safety improvements and efforts to slow traffic where children and youth travel.
This year marks the first time the award has been presented to a city and a small community. Minneapolis shares the honor with the Pueblo of Jemez.
“These communities have intentionally invested in partnerships and infrastructure changes that will support and sustain multimodal opportunities for children and families for years to come,” said Nancy Pullen-Seufert, Director, National Center for Safe Routes to School, UNC Highway Safety Research Center. “Their achievements and commitment serve as examples for other communities, small and large.”
Previous recipients include Arlington, Va.; Los Angeles; New York City; Fremont, Calif.; Lincoln, Neb.; and Seattle. The Milwaukee Safe Routes to School Program received an innovation award during the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the National Center for Safe Routes to School
Established in 2006, the National Center for Safe Routes to School helps communities change their culture around safe and active travel. Its role includes leading the Vision Zero for Youth Initiative, national coordination and technical assistance for U.S. Walk and Roll to School Day and Bike and Roll to School Day, and providing tools, training, research, and evaluation for safe walking and bicycling for children and youth. The National Center for Safe Routes to School served as the U.S. Federal Highway Administration’s clearinghouse for the federal Safe Routes to School program for 11 years. It is located at the UNC Highway Safety Research Center