Time period
Y-Plan Vision Zero: Improving Pedestrian Safety in East San José
- E.U.A San José (California)
Summary
This project, developed through the Y PLAN civic learning framework, engaged students from Escuela Popular in San José in a collaborative process to improve pedestrian and cycling safety along a high risk school corridor. Working with the city’s Department of Transportation under the Vision Zero and Walk n’ Roll programmes, students conducted research, surveys, and spatial analysis to understand mobility challenges affecting their community.
Adopting an action research and co design approach, both adult learners and 8th grade students developed short and long term proposals to address safety concerns. These included immediate, low cost interventions—such as repairing street lighting, repainting crosswalks, and improving signage visibility—as well as systemic measures like traffic calming, expanded bike lanes, and stricter speed enforcement.
By generating data driven insights and collective solutions, the project empowered students to directly influence local planning processes, demonstrating how youth led, place based learning can contribute to safer, more inclusive and sustainable mobility systems.
Key aspects
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Intergenerational and inclusive approach
Engages adult learners and students, combining diverse perspectives and lived experiences. -
Y‑PLAN civic learning framework
Guides students through structured phases linking education with real urban action. -
Strong institutional partnership
Aligns with local government, connecting learning to policy and safety strategies. -
Data‑driven insight and real impact
Uses surveys and analysis to inform proposals that influence planning processes. -
Scalable engagement model
Provides a replicable framework for long‑term civic participation across contexts.