New Resource: Safe Routes to School Law Enforcement website

In April, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a new web-based resource for law enforcement officers. The Safe Routes to School for Law Enforcement website, www.saferoutesinfo.org/lawenforcement, provides tips, tools and other materials to help law enforcement officers get involved in Safe Routes to School (SRTS), a national effort to enable and encourage children to safely walk and bike to school.

The new website, which is hosted and maintained by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, is designed to aid officers and law enforcement agencies in their local SRTS efforts. The resource includes a wide variety of tools, such as:

• Tips for law enforcement officers on walking and bicycling safety,
• Take away materials for students, parents, school staff, and others,
• Talking points on bicycle and pedestrian safety,
• Tips on addressing parental concerns,
• Links to related sites for resource materials, and
• Activities for children.

The participation of law enforcement agencies in SRTS is critical. First, law enforcement professionals command the attention of the students, parents and other audiences at the school. Second, involvement of law enforcement enhances engineering and education efforts to provide a more comprehensive SRTS program and a greater likelihood of ensuring safe behaviors among pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

Participation in SRTS activities also provides the opportunity for law enforcement to engage in positive interaction with the public and enhance their image in the community. For more information, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org/lawenforcement.