The Division of Transportation has introduced back a well-liked competition this yr geared towards Ok-12 college students that promotes health and visitors safety.
The competition, referred to as “We’re Walking Here,” goals to extend college students’ consciousness of the health advantages of strolling, and aligns with the town’s Imaginative and prescient Zero initiative that promotes street safety. It additionally serves as a possibility for college kids to remind drivers in regards to the significance of secure streets.
The competition was placed on hiatus through the COVID-19 pandemic however is scheduled to happen as soon as once more subsequent month. This yr the competition is partnering with “Hip Hop 50,” the citywide marketing campaign to have fun New York Metropolis because the birthplace of the hip-hop style 50 years in the past.
The competition will happen between March 6 and 31, with college students at collaborating faculties tasked with creating public-service bulletins (PSAs) that encourage strolling and promote visitors safety. Every class is required to supply a video, with the creators of one of the best PSAs awarded prizes. The most effective movies might be distributed via DOT associate companies, social media and different media shops.
College students on this yr’s competition are inspired to include rap lyrics, dances and movies into their PSAs within the spirit of hip-hop’s fiftieth birthday.
The scholars may even partake in classroom actions as a part of the competition. These embrace monitoring the variety of blocks they stroll and discussing the visitors situations round their faculties.
Metropolis officers stated that they’re glad the competition is back.
“I am happy to support the NYC DOT’s relaunch of their ‘We’re Walking Here’ campaign to raise awareness of our collective responsibility to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries on the roads in the birthplace of hip-hop,” stated Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, who represents southeast Brooklyn.
The primary-place winners of this yr’s competition will obtain a $1,000 prize, with $500 for second place and $250 for third. The prize cash is being supplied by The Secure Streets Fund, a private-public partnership devoted to safer streets.
The competition is open to all New York Metropolis Ok-12 faculties, each public and non-public. Booklets containing grade-specific classes developed by the DOT, pedometers and different supplies and incentives might be supplied. Faculties concerned with collaborating have to register by Feb. 17.
“As a former teacher myself, I am especially attuned to the needs of our students, who make up some of our most vulnerable pedestrians – so the ‘We’re Walking Here’ campaign aims to educate them as well as target their incredible talents and creativity,” DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez stated in a press release.
For extra info or to register go to nyc.gov/walkingschools.