We, the undersigned residents, parents, educators, and community members, respectfully call on Johnson County leaders, local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, school districts, and municipal governments to establish a free comprehensive road safety education program for children ages 8 and older.

The recent e-scooter ordinance passed in Johnson County is a step toward addressing concerns about unsafe riding behaviors. However, enforcement and restrictions alone act as a band-aid on a larger issue: many young riders have never been taught the rules of the road.

As e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles, and other forms of personal transportation become increasingly common, our community has an opportunity to move beyond regulation and enforcement by investing in education and long-term safety.

The Problem
Too many children and young teens are operating bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters without a clear understanding of:

Traffic laws and right-of-way rules
Safe intersection crossing techniques
Hand signals and communication with drivers
Visibility and protective equipment
Safe riding around pedestrians and vehicles
Emergency response and accident prevention
Without proper education, young riders are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that endanger themselves and others.

The Solution
We propose a free Johnson County Police and Firefighter-Led Road Safety Program for youth ages 8 and older that would:

Partner with public, private, and charter schools throughout Johnson County.
Utilize police officers to teach traffic laws, rider responsibilities, and safe roadway practices.
Utilize firefighters and first responders to teach accident prevention, emergency awareness, and the real-life consequences of unsafe riding.
Incorporate hands-on riding courses and practical demonstrations.
Encourage safe riding habits before children become licensed drivers.
Offer voluntary certificates or educational licenses recognizing completion of the program.

Why This Matters
Education creates safer habits that last a lifetime.

Children who learn road safety at an early age are more likely to become responsible riders, drivers, and community members as they grow older. Rather than relying solely on ordinances and enforcement after unsafe behaviors occur, we can proactively equip youth with the knowledge and skills needed to make safer decisions.

Kansas already provides Safe Routes to School resources designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety. Johnson County should leverage these existing resources and expand them through direct partnerships between schools, law enforcement, firefighters, and community organizations.

Call to Action
We urge:

Johnson County Government
Johnson County municipalities and city councils
Public, private, and charter schools throughout Johnson County
Local police departments
Local fire departments
Parent organizations and community groups

To work together to develop and implement a countywide youth road safety education program that prepares children to safely navigate our streets, sidewalks, trails, and neighborhoods.

Our goal is not simply to restrict unsafe behavior—it is to create informed, confident, and responsible young road users.

By investing in education today, we can reduce accidents, improve public safety, and build a stronger Johnson County for future generations.

Sign below to support the implementation of a free Police and Firefighter-Led Road Safety Program for Johnson County Youth.