Matthew Tobin is a sophomore student in Blauvelt, New York who recently completed the YMCA's Safe Routes to School Student Ambassador Program. Matthew's project focused on improving the walking paths around his high school and starting a local chapter for Safe Routes to School. He wrote this blog post sharing his reflections about the experience.

This blog post was written by Margaux Mennesson, Marisa Jones, Michelle Lieberman, Margo Pedroso and Cass Isidro. 

Over the last several months, the COVID-19 pandemic and protests for racial justice and against police brutality have prompted our team at the Safe Routes Partnership to critically examine many of the systems, strategies, and programs that support Safe Routes.

Birmingham’s parks have been described as “gems” by the US Secretary of the Interior. But they’re exceptionally difficult to access if you don’t have a car. Public transit is limited, and it’s not easy to bike or walk around Birmingham. In fact, many people in Birmingham hardly bike or walk at all.