Leeds has set an ambitious goal to become a truly Child Friendly City, ensuring it is the best place for children and young people to grow up while also working towards eliminating death and serious injury on its roads by 2040 through the adoption of Vision Zero. This presentation explores how the Leeds Vision Zero and Child Friendly Leeds teams work in partnership to deliver these shared ambitions.

 As the first UK city to adopt the Child Friendly City ethos, Leeds places the voices of children and young people at the centre of decision-making, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The city’s sustained commitment to collaborative, child-centred practice has been recognised through repeated ‘outstanding’ Ofsted ratings and national commendation for effective partnership working. 

Vision Zero contributes directly to Child Friendly Leeds’ Wish 6 - enabling children and young people to travel safely and easily - by delivering road safety education, engagement activities, and awareness campaigns. Through innovative approaches, including practical and classroom-based learning and the use of the road safety mascot, Arlo the Owl, Vision Zero helps empower children and young people while reinforcing a culture of safety and inclusion. This partnership demonstrates how integrated strategies can create safer, more inclusive urban environments where children’s wellbeing and voices are prioritised.

Rosie Revell, Safe and Sustainable Team Leader, Leeds Vision Zero

Rosie started her time in Leeds City Council as one of the team's first ever road safety trainers 24 years ago and was delighted to return to road safety as team leader in 2022, leading on behaviour change Vision Zero delivery. Leeds adopted its Vision Zero strategy in 2022 and, having successfully completed its first two-year action plan, the next two-year plan was launched in 2025.

Rosie spent 16 years working with young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) developing the successful Independent Travel Training programme, first in Wakefield and then back in Leeds in the Children's Transport Team.  The return to Leeds also included developing the (SEND) assessment process for home to school transport.  Rosie developed and delivered the accredited Train the Trainers programme.

In her presentation, Rosie will explore how Vision Zero delivery can directly contribute to a Child Friendly City ambition by delivering road safety education, engagement activities and awareness campaigns that create safer and more inclusive environments where children’s wellbeing and voices are prioritised.