Background Cycling is a mode of transportation for a sustainable mobility paradigm with numerous benefits (WHO, 2000). However, Vietnamese young cyclists are particularly vulnerable when they have little road safety literacy and ride in unprotected settings with inadequate bicycle-enabled infrastructure and equipment and neglected policies.

Objective In response, AIP Foundation is piloting a program that aims to strengthen youth’s contribution to improving cycling safety in Vietnam.

Program Description The initiative has utilized multi-faceted approaches: 1) Increasing youth’s bicycle knowledge and riding skills; 2) Building advocacy capacity for youth to enable and empower them to raise their voices on road safety issues; 4) Enhancing students’ involvement in road safety design through the application of a youth-driven app; 5) Providing data-based evidence to call for actions by the government; 6) Raising awareness among various groups to increase public support for cycling safety.

Starting in 2022, the program trained more than 18,000 students from 19 secondary schools in Pleiku city, Gia Lai province where 46.23% of the population are from ethnic minorities. A series of creative events were conducted to enable youth to raise their voices and bridge youth and government such as Bike Day, Photovoice Competition, Youth Forum.

In 2023–2024, the program is developing a high-quality, portable Ride Safe GPS app that help track young cyclists’ safety on their way to/from school. This data will identify high-risk zones for government investment priorities in bicycling infrastructure. Results will also be circulated to a wide community member group, including youth, educators, and general road users, through different media channels to boost public attention and support.

Outcomes and Learnings Initial success was achieved. Students with good scores on cycling safety increased from 72% to 84%. They also expressed more positive attitudes (24% to 65%) toward using bicycles. Both local and national governments showed their support for cycling safety.

Conclusion From capacity building for students to connecting this young community to the authorities and supporting the decision-makers with data-based evidence, this pilot program will be an example of a comprehensive, sustainable strategy with the potential to scale up in other regions of Vietnam and other countries.