The Student Pothole Patrol: Map a Safer Way to School
Ever tripped over a pothole on your way to school or seen bikes swerve dangerously around cracks in the road?
Small road damage may seem harmless, but it adds up — especially for students, pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities. Potholes aren’t just annoying — they’re a safety and accessibility issue.
That’s why the Student Pothole Patrol Challenge invites you and your classmates to take action. In just one short walk, you can help make your school zone safer — all while supporting Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Why It Matters
- Kids and teens are more vulnerable to injuries caused by poor road surfaces near schools.
- Most potholes and damaged sidewalks go unreported — meaning they don’t get fixed.
- Mapping and reporting problems helps city workers prioritize repairs near places that matter most — like your school.
- According to the WHO, improving walking routes around schools dramatically reduces child traffic injuries (Source: WHO).
The Tiny Action: Student Pothole Patrol Challenge
- Grab a friend, parent, or teacher and walk or bike around the area near your school.
- Spot potholes or sidewalk damage — and snap a quick photo or write down the location.
- Use a simple online tool or your city’s public works form to report what you find.
- Make it a class project — or hang a “report potholes here” map in your hallway!
Why It Works for Students
- You know your school zone better than anyone — and that makes you the perfect person to spot what needs fixing.
- You’re helping classmates, younger students, and your whole neighborhood.
- You don’t need permission to care — just curiosity, awareness, and a camera phone.
- You’ll learn real-world problem solving and how civic action works — right from your school steps.
How It Supports SDG 11
SDG 11 calls for making cities inclusive, safe, and accessible — especially for young people.
By helping improve walkways around your school, you’re supporting safer transportation, reduced injuries, and a more youth-friendly urban environment.
(Source: UN SDG 11)
One Step at a Time to a Safer School Route
It starts with your street — and a few photos can lead to a real fix.
Join the Pothole Patrol Challenge — map a safer route, and help your city care where kids walk.