Micromobility Safety Social Media Competition

 

Seeking submissions for a short, original video that helps people understand micromobility and make safer choices. 

 

  • Submission Deadline: November 6th
  • Winner(s) notified : November 16th 

Winning submission to be posted on social media, and in upcoming newsletters. 

 @longwoodarea 

@steppingstrongcenter 

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Project Prompt

The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation at Mass General Brigham is partnering with the Longwood Collective TMA (Transportation Management Association) to raise awareness about micromobility and promote safer travel for riders, pedestrians, drivers, and everyone who shares public spaces. 

Micromobility includes small vehicles used for short trips, such as bicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, skateboards, and similar devices. These options can make transportation more affordable, flexible, and low-emission, but people may not always know how devices differ, how fast they can travel, or how to use them safely.

We are seeking students to create a short social media video that highlights the benefits of micromobility while encouraging safer choices. Videos should share an accurate, memorable message that helps viewers understand a safety consideration or take a simple action that supports safer travel and shared spaces.

Video Submissions should include

  • Clear focus on micromobility

  • Include at least one fact or encouraged message from the Micromobility Message Guide in this document

  • Include one clear, empowering call to action. 

  • Use respectful, prevention-focused language. Avoid the word “accident,” which can suggest that injuries are inevitable rather than preventable. 

Submission Requirements 

  • Length: no more than 60 seconds

  • Orientation: Vertical video is encouraged for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and similar platforms. 

  • File type and Maximum Size MP4 ( 30 MB)

  • Videos may use original footage, animation, graphics, still images, voiceover, captions, or a combination of formats. 

  • Entries must be understandable with the sound off. Include captions and avoid placing essential text near the outer edges of the screen. 

  • Do not include copyrighted music, images, video clips, logos, or other content unless you have permission to use them

  • Due to privacy concerns, photos/videos of minors are not permitted 

Prizes

1st Place : $150 

2nd Place $100 

3rd Place $50 

Scoring criteria 

  • Accuracy and relevance 

  • Clarity and call to action 

  • Creativity and engagement 

  • Visual and audio quality 

  • Overall impact

  • Use of suggested messages from the Micromobility Message Guide listed below
     

Submission & Inquiries 

All questions can be directed to longwoodTMA@longwoodcollective.org 

Please submit all entries here.

Who Should Apply: We welcome submissions from: Undergraduate or graduate students, Entries may be submitted by an individual, or as a student group.

Micromobility Message Guide

  • Know what you are riding. Micromobility devices can look similar but differ greatly in motor power, weight, acceleration, and top speed. Check the manufacturer's label and understand the device before riding. 

  • Speed changes risk. Faster devices take more time and distance to stop and can cause more severe injuries in a crash. Choose a speed that fits the setting, visibility, and people around you. 

  • Wear the right helmet. A properly fitted helmet provides important protection against head and brain injuries. Helmet requirements vary by device and rider age, but every rider can choose to wear one. 

  • Learn before you ride. Practice starting, stopping, turning, signaling, and controlling the device in a safe area before entering traffic or a busy path. 

  • Be visible and predictable. Use lights and reflective gear in low light. Follow traffic signals, travel in the expected direction, and communicate before turning, stopping, or passing. 

  • Give pedestrians priority. Sidewalks and shared paths are used by people of different ages and abilities. Slow down, give space, yield to pedestrians, and use a bell or voice before passing.

  • Keep bike lanes clear. Blocked bike lanes can force riders into faster traffic. Drivers and delivery vehicles should not stop, stand, or park in bike lanes. 

  • Keep e-bikes on the road. E-bikes are intended for use on streets and in bike lanes, not on sidewalks, which are for people walking and using mobility devices. Some shared-use paths allow e-bikes, so check local rules before riding.

  • Ride focused and alert. Keep both hands available for steering and braking. Stay aware of your surroundings by putting phones away, keeping audio low enough to hear what is happening around you, and riding substance-free.

  • Use safe batteries and chargers. Use the charger designed for the device. Do not use damaged, modified, or incompatible batteries, and do not charge where an exit could be blocked. 

  • Ride the device as designed. Keep the original speed settings and safety features in place. Using the device as intended helps reduce risk and keeps the device within the rules that apply to it.

  • Safety is shared. Riders, drivers, planners, retailers, and communities all have a role in making streets and paths safer. Safer choices and safer infrastructure work together. 

  • Massachusetts DOT Micromobility Hub