Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is a national program designed to decrease congestion around schools and promote walking and bicycling through infrastructure improvements and various activities.

The Safe Routes to School program got a huge boost with the recent SAFETEA-LU legislation. Each state will now receive at least $1 million per year for infrastructure improvements, encouragement, education and enforcement activities, and funding a full-time Safe Routes to School coordinator.

Eligible infrastructure projects include sidewalk improvements, traffic calming and speed reduction measures, pedestrian and bicycle crossings, on-street bicycle facilities, off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities, secure bike parking, and traffic diversion improvements in the vicinity of schools.

Be sure to check out the Safe Routes to School Toolkit, which can help you plan events, find funding, get ideas for classroom activities, and find links to a number of resources. This guide focuses on media and social marketing campaigns, events, and presentations to foster and retain support for walking and bicycling activities.

This set of Guidelines can help you plan out a safe route to school and ensure that children have safe and enjoyable walking or bicycling trips.