304 Enhancing safe mobility for children and adolescents in vulnerable communities: a policy brief on road safety initiatives in Brazil

<h3>Background</h3> Safe mobility for children and adolescents is a pressing challenge in vulnerable communities of developing countries, where journeys expose them to risks like traffic accidents, violence, and health hazards from pollution. Recognizing the transversal impact of safe mobility on economic, cultural, racial, age, gender, and accessibility issues, national and international agendas emphasize its role in reducing societal inequalities. <h3>Objective</h3> This research was implemented with the support of UNICEF and addresses the urgent need for road safety policies targeting young people. Through a policy brief focused on the Brazilian context, the study analyzes existing initiatives and public policies that promote safe and sustainable mobility for children and adolescents. <h3>Policy Analysis</h3> The methodology unfolds in four stages: online desk research, characterization of intervention approaches, assessment of context and challenges, and development of recommendations. Best practices were selected based on criteria from mobility studies and priority themes according to local communities. The study mapped 22 federal, 12 state, and 34 municipal initiatives. <h3>Policy Implications</h3> Five main themes and categories of approach emerged from the analysis: 1- requalification of urban space, 2- neighbourhood plans, 3- school routes, 4- public transportation, and 5- urban mobility, leisure, and education. Analysis of best practices revealed diverse methodologies, strategies, and articulation forms addressing challenges faced during implementation. The public sector was identified as a key actor, with the greatest scope for action and impact. However, their engagement has proven to be one of the most challenging in Brazil. Active participation of young people in policy-making was highlighted as a critical factor in guaranteeing effective interventions in their realities, particularly for those who live in vulnerable and peripheral urban areas. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The research provides fundamental elements for constructing similar policies, offering recommendations for various stakeholders, including the public, private and third sectors and community leaders. The findings emphasize the potential replicability of successful initiatives, contributing to the ongoing efforts to reverse the negative trends in child and youth development associated with unsafe urban mobility. The benefits of similar initiatives are not limited to this group and contribute to a safer and more accessible city for all residents.