Safe Routes to School

If you remember a time when almost all kids biked or walked to school, you’re not alone. A generation ago, it was a natural part of growing up. In the last thirty years, things have changed. Heavy traffic, big roads, and dangerous intersections are a few reasons that less than 15% of kids now bike or walk to school compared to more than 50% in 1969.

In the last five to ten years, Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs in a few communities across the US have been making it easy and safe for kids to get out of their parents’ cars and school buses. Their success rate has been exceptional.

In 2005, Congress included provisions that can help SRTS programs to succeed in primary and middle schools in every state. This $612 million is funded through the federal transportation bill and will be distributed from 2005 to 2009, with no state receiving less than $1 million per year. Each state will appoint a SRTS coordinator to serve as a central point of contact. State, regional, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations will be able to apply for and receive funds that go to both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Federal SRTS funds do not require matching local funds.

See some examples of projects and programs that can qualify for funding