Council names teen-safety work groups, discusses human-trafficking and e-bike safety

The Youth Leadership Advisory Council advanced its Youth Solutions work by confirming three teen-safety work groups and collecting volunteer commitments from members.

Dr. Tammy Malich, director of youth development and social initiatives, said seven students had volunteered as leaders for the National Youth Leadership Council’s Youth Solutions program and that staff had set up Google Classroom access so participants could complete forms and attend meetings. "This is in response to the horrific number of young people who have been significantly injured or have lost their lives coming to or from school," Malich said, describing the groups’ focus on Monday–Friday before- and after-school safety.

Malich outlined three work groups: teen pedestrian safety; teen driving safety; and teen scooter, bicycle and electric-vehicle safety. Members volunteered: Member McCraney for scooter/bicycle/EV safety; Member Meservi, Member Laster, Member Camarillo and Member Winn for pedestrian safety; Member Cohen said he is one of the leaders for the driving safety group and urged members to take the work seriously.

During the community-issues discussion members raised other priorities the council could address: Member McNally highlighted human trafficking as a significant local problem affecting youth; Member Gurney and Member Tsai raised ebike safety and clarified that some electric bikes may be classified as motor vehicles and have legal consequences for youth who ride them without appropriate licensing.

Staff and members discussed outreach strategies to support these initiatives, including partnering with schools, elected officials and community organizations, and the communications team offered to set up council social accounts administered by adult advisers to ensure continuity as members cycle off the council.