Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs promote healthy, safe transportation by making it easier and more fun for students to bike or walk to school, all while reducing traffic congestion during pickup and drop-off. Strong SRTS programs incorporate the 6 E’s: evaluation, education, encouragement, engagement, engineering, and equity. Programming can include pilot projects and pop-up events (similar to LADOT’s efforts in Los Angeles) that temporarily–but quickly–change street design, or they can involve permanent infrastructure changes. Collaboration among the school community, residents, and local governmental agencies and organizations is key to SRTS program success.
Benefits of SRTS include:
- Safer Students and Streets – Drivers are more aware in areas where there are more bicyclists and pedestrians, which ultimately reduces the likelihood of crashes. Infrastructure improvements that can accompany SRTS programs also help improve safety.
- Healthier Students – When students bike and walk to school, they are getting physical activity that supports a healthy lifestyle and reduces the risk of obesity
- Lower Transportation Costs – More students walking and biking to school decreases the dependency on costly personal vehicles and/or school buses.
- Reduced Tardiness & Absenteeism – Empowering students to walk and bike to school means providing them with a reliable means of transportation.
The San Mateo County Office of Education can help local schools with SRTS programs. Check out their website below to learn more.
Resources
– SMCOE SRTS page
– SMCOE SRTS resources
– Safe Routes Partnership
