Highlights from the 2024 Safe Routes to School National Conference
The 2024 Safe Routes to School National Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado, was a vibrant gathering of over 400 leaders, advocates, and educators united in a mission to make our communities safer and more accessible for all students. Over three days, conference attendees participated in engaging, interactive sessions, from deep-dive workshops to peer exchanges and hands-on activities, each focused on improving safety and accessibility in schools and communities.
The conference featured three dynamic keynote speakers who set the tone for an impactful event. Wes Marshall, PhD, PE, provided expert insights into the world of traffic engineering, explaining how our infrastructure can be thoughtfully designed to create safer walking, biking, and rolling spaces. Dr. Gail Christopher captivated the audience with her talk on racial healing, stressing the need for equity and unity in communities. Anna Zivarts brought her invaluable perspective on designing for accessibility, advocating for inclusive streets that prioritize the needs of people with disabilities.
In addition to these dynamic keynotes, attendees took part in dozens of panels, workshops, and networking sessions. Topics ranged from expanding Safe Routes programming to rural areas, integrating innovative technology to enhance safety, and extending our focus to include high school students, preparing the next generation to champion this cause.
One of the most memorable moments of the conference was the awards ceremony, a heartfelt celebration of the exceptional achievements within our Safe Routes community. We were honored to recognize Atlanta’s Safe Routes to School coordinator, Nichole Hollis, as the 2024 Hubsmith Safe Routes Champion Award Winner—a title well-deserved for her unwavering dedication to advancing safe routes for all.
On behalf of the Colorado Department of Transportation, Multimodal Planning Branch Manager, Marissa Gaughan graciously accepted the 2024 Safe Routes to School Leadership Award, underscoring the department’s steadfast commitment to creating safer, more accessible walking and rolling for Colorado’s youth. We were deeply honored to present the 2024 Outstanding Contribution Award to Margo Pedroso, whose invaluable efforts have guided the Safe Routes Partnership for the past 17 years, and the 2024 Colorado Safe Routes Champion Award to Fort Collins’ Safe Routes to School Program Manager, Nancy Nichols, for her leadership in developing an outstanding Safe Routes to School program. These extraordinary leaders have truly set a new standard for our work, and we celebrate their inspiring dedication to making a lasting difference.
“I gained invaluable insights from this conference and formed lifelong friendships with people from around the nation. It was truly one of the best learning and sharing experiences I've ever had.” — Conference Participant
The 2024 Safe Routes to School National Conference was an energizing success, filled with learning, sharing, and celebration. We’re grateful to all who attended and contributed to the event’s success, and we look forward to building on this momentum as we work together to create safer, more inclusive communities for all.
Thank you to the 2024 Safe Routes to School National Conference sponsors and exhibitors We are incredibly grateful for the support of our sponsors and exhibitors at the 2024 Safe Routes to School National Conference! From providing essential resources to sharing their expertise, they’ve helped make this event a truly inspiring gathering. We’re grateful for their commitment to building safer, healthier communities for all.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Fort Collins, and here’s to a safer, more connected future!
View photos from the conference
If your community is interested in hosting the 2026 Safe Routes to School National Conference, please see more information on our webpage. Please respond by January 31, 2025.
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