1. Build local capability and capacity The Northam Town Team facilitated a road safety workshop as part of the Streets Alive Phase One engagement strategy, aimed at understanding children’s lived experiences of road safety and play in Northam. The workshop's purpose was to gather valuable community insights—particularly from children and their caregivers—to inform future street design and safety interventions that prioritise people over vehicles. The project aligns with our commitment to empowering community voices and using their insights to advocate for child-friendly streets through future applications for additional funding under the Streets Alive initiative. Outcomes included Empowering local parents and community to consider how they could make streets safer and Engaging children to be active within a community event not passive consumers whilst encouraging ownership of their environment
2. Change attitudes and behaviours Potential improvement in road safety behaviours, among participants Raised Awareness of Road Safety and Public Space Consideration of safer street issues with Parents reminded of safe driving and walking habits Some visitors to the event admitting a change from a healthy skepticism to a considering safer street activities Even momentarily challenged car dominant mindsets of streets are for cars
3. Enhance street environment Were unable to close the road due to prohibitive cost of traffic management plans and management.
4. Trial a collaborative model: initiated conversation and discussion with ideas in development of possible road traffic trial
Changes in attitudes/behaviour reflection • Increased awareness of road dangers (e.g. speeding, lack of pedestrian crossings). • Improved knowledge of road safety rules (e.g. using crossings, looking both ways). • Thoughts about greater participation in activities like walking or cycling to school, especially if encouraged by school programs or infrastructure improvements. • Engagement in advocacy, creating posters or participating in surveys about safer streets. • A shift from passive awareness to active responsibility, especially in children. • Creation of a shared sense of ownership of local streets – not just for cars, but for all users.
