Street for kids independencia

The "Streets for Kids" project, led by Ciudad Emergente in collaboration with NACTO-GDCI, transformed Enrique Soro Street in Independencia into a safer and more accessible space for children and caregivers. The pilot was carried out in two phases: gathering perceptions using the "My Way to School" KIT and implementing tactical urbanism interventions.

The initial phase focused on collecting children's perceptions of their surroundings, identifying unsafe areas and priority zones for intervention. Using maps, emotion stickers, and drawings, children highlighted dangers such as vehicle speed and the lack of safe crossings, offering ideas for transforming their streets. This playful approach enabled Ciudad Emergente to identify key elements for project design.

In the second phase, interventions were implemented, including lane reductions, the installation of pedestrian crossings, expanded pedestrian areas, and community activations. These actions were complemented by recreational activities such as workshops, storytelling sessions, and face painting, engaging over 400 participants. Additionally, more than 2,000 m² of public space were activated, turning the street into a safe and dynamic gathering place.

The results showed a significant improvement in road safety. Vehicle speed decreased by 14%, while the number of children using the street increased by 28.5%. Perceptions of fun, safety, and cleanliness among pedestrians also improved significantly, especially among caregivers, with an 84% increase in the perception of fun.

This project highlighted the positive impact of incorporating children’s perspectives into urban design, promoting safer, more inspiring, and educational streets. The tactical interventions proved effective in reducing traffic risks and enhancing pedestrian experiences, reinforcing the value of collaborative efforts between the community, municipalities, and urbanism experts.

"Streets for Kids" not only physically transformed Enrique Soro Street but also set a precedent for future interventions, demonstrating how citizen participation and a child-centered approach can redefine street use, turning them into spaces for collective well-being and learning. This pilot serves as a replicable model for cities seeking to improve their road infrastructure with an inclusive and sustainable approach.

Photos Before and After