10/23/2026
Once road safety issues are identified the next step is to find solutions and then bring them forward with an advocacy plan to find real results.
Advocacy is a four-step proccess:
Explore -- identify an issue and gather evidence;
Think -- decide what change is best and how to make it happen;
Act -- come up with an action plan and follow it; and
Reflect -- look at what happened and decide what is next.
As cycles go, this proccess should repeat throughout your advocacy andyou will always return to the same question: What's bothering you?
Once you have a concern, look for real evidence that it exists and is detrimental to your community. Relating real-world issues becomes easier when the people around you have had similar experiences.
When looking for solutions remember that your problem likely isn't new and you don't need to reinvent the wheel to find a solution. Vision Zero goals all have the same ideal outsome and as such their many solutions come from the same place and combining several easy solutions can lead to better overall results.
When you go to act make sure you are bringing your plan to the correct group who can actually affect and follow through with your proposal. Speaking to your councillor has little effect on provincial or federal issues. Make sure your goal is SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.
Reaching your audience can vary from written letters, to media interviews, to social media. Have a plan and if you feel you are not recieveing responses don't be afraid to follow up.
After you've done all the hard work, look at what happened honestly and reflect on the proccess and outcomes. What happened and how did it relate to your intention? If you feel the need for greater change then set your new target, decide how to improve your communication, take a well earned break, and then begin anew and pursue safer roads for the future.
