Micromobility options are growing popular in urban environments providing individuals with new, safe and affordable transportation options. The New York City Department of Transportation launched its E-Scooter Pilot in 2021, bringing up to 3,000 electric scooters (e-scooters) to the East Bronx. During the first six months of 2021, pedestrian fatalities increased by 30% in New York City.
To complement their e-scooter pilot, the National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) and GHSA awarded grant funding to the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) to conduct a multilingual education and outreach program promoting safety on scooters, skateboards and other micromobility devices by recruiting teen interns. The grant project succeeded through partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT).
Peer-To-Peer Outreach
NYC DOT recruited teens from the city's Summer Youth Employment Program and trained them to educate their peers about micromobility safety. A total of 25 interns, more than double NYC DOT’s goal, received training enabling them to lead program activities. The interns, with NYC DOT support, distributed helmets and provided safety information and outreach in all five boroughs, with many events in skate parks and roller rinks.
The interns worked with a NYC DOT graphic artist to create e-mobility safety education postcards that were distributed during outreach activities.
Grant Impact
NYC DOT believes that utilizing a peer education model was critical for the project’s success and will have a lasting impact by encouraging teen skateboarders to wear their helmets.
The informational flyers will remain a resource for the teens as they continue to promote micromobility safety with their peers and in their communities.