NILES Niles students are participating in a two-day event to promote street safety and walkability, part of an effort to help the city secure state grants for infrastructure projects.

The “Safe Street Demo Week,” a joint effort between Niles City Schools and the City of Niles, is taking place September 1 and 2 on the streets surrounding the middle school.

Students from Niles Middle School planned the events alongside Dean of Students Brian McConnell and Niles City Planner and Grant Coordinator Bianca Rozenblad. They also partnered with Trumbull County Public Health, Youngstown State University and Creating Healthy Communities.

On Monday, students painted crosswalks on Second, Third, and Brown streets with the school’s red and blue colors and the dragon mascot. The designs serve as part of a temporary safe street demonstration to show how the area could look with permanent infrastructure.

McConnell said the project brings the community together for long-term improvements. “We’re talking about schools and community coming together to make our schools better, our cities better, for everybody,” he said.

Health educator Kris Kriebel with the Trumbull County Combined Health District said the temporary demonstration helps highlight what’s possible. “Demonstration projects highlight potential changes that make a community safer, more accessible, and then more walkable and bikeable,” Kriebel said.

On Tuesday, September 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., students from Gaye Breegle’s advanced science class will participate in a bike rodeo. The event will include lessons on helmet safety and crossing streets properly. A bicycle, donated by the North and Main Beautification Committee of Niles, will be given away.

Rozenblad said she hopes residents see the importance of pedestrian safety. “We know that pedestrian is important. The City thinks it’s important, and we’re doing what we can to make our city be a safe city and also a walkable city,” she said.

The demonstration area will remain open to walkers and bikers throughout the week. Streets will stay closed during the events to ensure safety, and drivers are asked to use caution in the area until the project concludes.