In November, the San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative (COI) was honored to be nominated for Circulate San Diego’s 2024 Momentum Awards in the category of Safe Streets and Vision Zero. These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations driving meaningful change in mobility and neighborhood health across San Diego County. By recognizing innovative projects that enhance transportation choices and promote vibrant, equitable communities, the Momentum Awards bring together leaders from non-profits, private-sector design firms, and policymakers to advance shared goals.
This nomination was made possible through the efforts of Mary Beth Moran, the Healthcare Domain co-chair of the COI and Director of the Center for Healthier Communities at Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego. Her leadership and enthusiasm underscore the COI’s commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships that improve community health. Mary Beth attended the awards ceremony alongside Bonnie Beckman, Tri-chair of the COI’s Community Council, as well as COI staff members Lan Nguyễn and Jackie Resnick.
The nomination for the Safe Streets and Vision Zero category highlights a critical partnership between the COI and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the region’s primary planning agency. A cornerstone of this collaboration was the COI’s facilitation of 13 walk audits across San Diego County. These audits provided valuable community insights to inform SANDAG’s Vision Zero Action Plan, which outlines “where crashes occur, who is bearing the greatest burden, and what strategies can be implemented to support the goal of zero traffic deaths.”
Although the COI did not ultimately win the Safe Streets and Vision Zero Award, the recognition was a testament to the tangible impact of its efforts. The initiative has already begun to see the fruits of its work in the form of low-cost, high-impact changes in several neighborhoods. These improvements have enhanced safety for families and children, making it easier and safer to engage in physical activities like walking to school or participating in other outdoor activities.
The COI’s nomination serves as a reminder of the importance of community-driven solutions in creating safer, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. If you’re interested in increasing safe mobility options in your area, the COI encourages you to take the following steps:
- Organize a group of friends or neighbors and go for a walk in your community.
- Take note of what you see and feel during your walk, identifying areas that could benefit from safety improvements.
- Share your observations and concerns with your local elected officials. The COI offers a helpful Guide to San Diego Legislators to assist you in finding and contacting your representatives.
For additional support, the COI team is ready to help you get started. Reach out to us via email at [email protected] to learn more about how you can contribute to making your community a safer and healthier place for everyone.
