#Japan #Gunma #Toyota Mobility Foundation #Gunma Prefecture #DALIFILMS

Promoting Bicycle Safety through Student Creativity in Gunma

In an effort to combat bicycle accidents in Gunma Prefecture, the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) has collaborated with local authorities to initiate a unique program titled "Let's Eliminate Bicycle Accidents - The Power of Communication, Moving Friends' Hearts with Your Own Words." This initiative aims to empower high school students to craft messages that resonate with their peers, effectively working towards reducing bicycle accidents in the region.

As part of this innovative campaign, TMF will host a workshop where participating students will learn to produce videos that convey important safety messages regarding bicycle usage. Leveraging the resources provided by the "tsukurun-GUNMA Creative Factory," high schoolers will gain hands-on experience in video production using professional editing software. The ultimate goal is to inspire these students to share their visions while cultivating a culture of safety among their contemporaries.

The video workshop offers a practical learning experience, where students will engage in the entire process of video production, including planning, shooting, and editing. Expert instructors will guide them through the nuances of creating compelling messages, helping learners understand the basics of filming and editing in an approachable manner. By confronting the realities of safe bicycle riding, the young participants will not only learn critical skills but will also create narratives that resonate strongly with fellow adolescents.

The finished projects will be submitted to the "6th High School Bicycle Traffic Safety Video Contest" organized by the Gunma Prefecture. These films will not only serve to fulfill contest requirements but will also be showcased in various high schools throughout the prefecture, allowing a wider audience of students to engage with the traffic safety message. This initiative positions high school students as vital spokespeople in spreading awareness and fostering a community commitment to reducing bicycle accidents.

The implementation of this program is supported by a collaboration of local institutions and businesses, including:

• - DALIFILMS Co., Ltd. (Workshop Planning and Instruction)
• - Maebashi City (Local Government)
• - Bridgestone Cycle Co., Ltd. (Industry Partner)
• - Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company (Industry Partner)

In addition to the video production campaign, TMF is also conducting related advocacy activities aimed at halving bicycle accidents among high school students. Such initiatives include distributing a guidebook, which features popular manga collaborations like "Yowamushi Pedal," to all high schools in the prefecture, ensuring that students are not only aware but also educated on safety practices.

This multifaceted approach highlights the importance of youth involvement in community safety, blending creative expression with impactful messaging. As these students become effective communicators, they cultivate a more profound concern for their own safety and that of their peers, which is crucial in promoting a culture of safe cycling in Gunma Prefecture.

Through this innovative initiative, the Toyota Mobility Foundation and its partners are not only addressing pressing safety concerns but are also fostering a sense of responsibility among youth, transforming them into advocates for change in their communities. This comprehensive campaign demonstrates the power of collaboration and creativity, paving the way for safer roads for all cyclists in the future.