The City of Fort Collins has been named a recipient of the 2026 Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, recognizing the community’s sustained commitment to improving safety for children and youth who walk and bike.
The national award honors communities that are making significant progress to reduce and eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries among young people. Fort Collins was selected for its comprehensive
approach to building and maintaining safe routes to school, investing in infrastructure and providing education for people who walk, bike and drive.
“What makes Fort Collins stand out is not only the breadth of its accomplishments in support of safe youth walking and biking, but the longevity of its commitment,” says Nancy Pullen-Seufert, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School. “For years, the city has advanced ambitious plans, strengthened cross-sector partnerships and continually innovated to support youth mobility.”
City leaders credit strong collaboration across departments and sustained investment in programs, like Safe Routes to School, for helping more students walk and bike to common destinations, including school.
“We’re thrilled to receive this award, which highlights Fort Collins’ long-standing commitment to helping young people travel safely and independently in our community,” says Fort Collins Mayor Emily Francis. “Through thoughtful planning, community partnerships and designing our streets and trails to be safe for people of all ages, we’re advancing city council’s priority to pursue Vision Zero.”
The Vision Zero for Youth U.S. Leadership Award is part of the Vision Zero for Youth initiative, which encourages communities to prioritize safety improvements and reduce traffic speeds where children and youth travel. The award recognizes innovative and effective practices and aims to inspire communities across the country to take action.
Fort Collins’ efforts include long-term planning, community engagement, infrastructure improvements and education strategies that support safe, active transportation for all ages. These efforts contribute to the city’s broader Vision Zero goal of eliminating all traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
An award ceremony recognizing this year’s recipients will take place later this spring.
To learn more about the Vision Zero for Youth initiative and awards program, visit visionzeroforyouth.org. For more information about the city’s Safe Routes to School program, visit fortcollins.gov/saferoutes.
