If Kids Were In Charge

If cities and streets are designed for children, they’ll be safe for everyone. But it would be even better if children were in charge!

Amsterdam has a Bicycle Mayor, which isn’t surprising, but in July the second Junior Bike Mayor was appointed.

Amsterdammer Lotta Crok (10) was named the world’s first Junior Bicycle Mayor, representing the voices of some 125,000 children in Amsterdam (14 and younger). Katelijne and Lotta have been working closely together on various projects to boost cycling uptake and safety among children, campaigning for public transportation bike rentals (OV fiets) for children for example.

Lotta passed the torch to the new junior mayor on 4 July, during the ‘Bicycle Heroes’ event at NEMO Science Centre. This competition saw over 150 Amsterdam children, aged 8-11, submit their creative ideas for making cycling better – and safer – for all kids in the city.”

Kids have been making a difference in Amsterdam since 1972 – watch the amazing video of kids in Amsterdam:

THE NEW YORK TIMES FOR KIDS: MEET ARMIN TAHERI, THE JUNIOR BICYCLE MAYOR OF AMSTERDAM

In the Feb. 23, 2020 NYTIMES For Kids issue:

https://www.rebeccaapitts.com/articles/new-york-times-for-kids-junior-bicycle-mayor