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A comparison of the collective image maps of the children from the before group and the after group reveals how improvements to the pedestrian and bicycling environments help children develop a richer sense of their neighborhood, as well as lessen the sense of threat posed by automobiles. These findings are especially important in light of the Safe Routes to School movement, which is bringing new resources into communities to improve the walking and bicycling environment for children. California and Texas have instituted statewide programs, and Congress has tentatively included a new Safe Routes to School program in the new federal transportation bill. A before-and-after study of improvements made under the Safe Routes to school program in California found strong evidence of immediate success in five of nine schools studied. The study found more children walked to school, while automobile speeds were lower and more drivers yielded to pedestrians. The study found that projects that closed sidewalk gaps were especially successful.lO While the study did not measure children's sense of well-being, it seems reasonable to assume that this improved as well. CONCLUSION This research seeks to address the question, "How does auto-dependency, and auto-domination of our streets and neighborhoods, affect the way a child views his or her world?" The maps compiled in this research show that as exposure to auto traffic volumes and speed decreases, a child's sense of threat goes down, and his/her ability to establish a richer connection and appreciation for the community rises. Without pedestrian and bicycle facilities to provide sanctuary for a child from automobile traffic, the negative senses of danger and dislike mean children cannot appreciate or possibly even identify the qualities of their neighborhood that are memorable, positive, or special. Additionally, exposure to threats posed by automobiles limits a child's positive association with his or her neighborhood, including the area around the neighborhood school. Building complete and livable streets that are safe for travel via foot, bicycle, and yes, automobiles, is especially important if we want our children to establish a healthy sense of comfort, well being, and connection within their own community. Supporting "youth livability" by achieving "street livability" objectives also helps engage children and adults in their street and community, ultimately making streets and public places safer for everyone. In closing, while new walking and bicycling facilities can improve a child's physical health and safety, they also can allow children to explore, connect, socialize, and to be...kids! 14 NCBW Forum Article 3-7-05- March 2005