SEMCOG
Southeast Michigan Council Of Governments

Safe Streets – Public Education to Encourage Safe Behaviors

| bicycle and pedestrian travel, community and economic development, public outreach, regionalism, transportation

Sydney Jackson

Sydney Jackson

Sydney Jackson is a Communications Specialist II for SEMCOG. Her background includes the intersection of web, media, accessibility, with a focus on community and economic development throughout Michigan. In her role, she coordinates and implements communications initiatives including creating, editing, and publishing content for a variety of media.

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A version of this article was originally featured in SEMCOG’s Putting Safety First. It illuminates regional data that underscores the gravity of fatal and serious crashes in Southeast Michigan. As we reflect on the many lives impacted by preventable tragedies, it becomes evident that concerted action is imperative. SEMCOG’s Southeast Michigan Transportation Safety Plan identifies key safety needs and guides investment decisions to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries for all road users.

Safe Streets Southeast Michigan, Safety is everyone's responsibility. Pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers. For more information go to, safe streets mi dot org

Each spring and fall, SEMCOG leads a coordinated education “blitz” on transportation safety. Formerly known as Walk.Bike.Drive. Safe, the Safe Streets initiative plays a pivotal role in aligning transportation safety education for the general public with the needs of our system. Safe Streets features various physical and digital media products and a combination of messaging and practical giveaway items, such as bike lights. These items are available for member communities to order, with allocated items for distribution at community spaces and events.

In collaboration with the Southeast Michigan Transportation Safety Action Committee and other safety partners, this campaign educates residents on challenges and individual actions related to enhancing safety in the transportation system. The campaign has reached a broad audience, with 130 million total impressions since its inception in 2018.

Getting involved in the Spring Safe Streets Campaign

Get proper training and use protective equipment. 46% of motorcyclists killed in crashes did not wear helmet. 48% did not have motorcycle license endorsement. Wear a helmet, get endorsed. Safe Streets Southeast Michigan, Safe Streets M I dot org, SEMCOG

Starting on Monday, May 6, 2024, SEMCOG will launch its spring safety education blitz. This is a critical time to reinforce safety, as the warmer weather encourages more outdoor activities like walking and biking, and increased commuter speeds from the pandemic have led to more severe crashes. This campaign serves as a reminder for everyone to prioritize safety.

Media toolkit

To support the campaign, SEMCOG offers a variety of materials that you can use to spread the word on social media, websites, community TV, e-newsletters, and more. We encourage everyone to share transportation safety messages with their community! The media toolkit includes:

To learn more about Safe Streets Southeast Michigan, visit safestreetsmi.org.

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