Taking Back the Streets and Sidewalks: How Safe Routes to School and Community Safety Initiatives Can Overcome Violence and Crime

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Crime, violence and the fear of violence lead to reduced physical activity and loss of motivation to invest in health.

According to a report from Safe Routes to School National Partnership (SRTS), 23% of Latino parents reported their neighborhoods were unsafe, compared with 8% of white parents.

It is critical to address crime and violence for Latinas because 40% fewer girls than boys walk and bicycle to school and 52% of Latina girls are expected to get diabetes over the course of their lifetime. Additionally, Latinos are disproportionately burdened by traffic fatalities compared to whites.

The Taking Back the Streets and Sidewalks report from SRTS is a reference for those working on violence prevention to increase the safety and health of children and youth, and ensure that communities become more equitable places. The report is divided into 4 primary sections:

1. Why Safe Routes to School Matters
2. Crime, Violence, Fear, and their Lasting Impact
3. Strategies to Improve Safety
4. Moving into Action

Spread the word and start working with others to take back your streets and sidewalks.

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