Establishing a Safe Routes to School State Network: A 10-Step Guide

Publication Date: April 2008

Publisher: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Author(s):

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a national movement that is making it safer and more convenient for children to walk and bicycle to school.

In August 2005, Congress approved $612 million for state implementation of SRTS programs over five years. Each state is receiving a minimum of $1 million per fiscal year through 2009 for SRTS, and is charged with creating a full-time SRTS coordinator associated with the state Department of Transportation. There are additional requirements, such as:

* Each state must spend 10 percent to 30 percent of its funds on non-infrastructure activities, including encouragement, public awareness, enforcement and educational programs.
* 70 percent to 90 percent of funds must be spent on infrastructure—sidewalks, bike lanes, pathways and traffic-calming activities.

This guide, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, offers a 10-step process that can be used to create a SRTS network in your state.