Education

Introduction

At two elementary schools in Orlando, FL, nutrition and pedestrian and bicycle safety skills are taught in unison to help children create healthier lifestyles for themselves.

The Florida Team Nutrition Initiative, which is part of the Step Up to School Wellness program by the United States Department of Agriculture, works to improve students’ lifelong eating habits, as well as their physical activity habits.

Introduction

Linking nutrition programs with Safe Routes to School’s focus on physical activity is enabling schools in Orange County, Fla., to target school wellness with a holistic approach designed to reduce childhood obesity.

Introduction

Miami-Dade County had the highest incidence of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the State and was third in the U.S. The rate of pediatric pedestrian injuries was also particularly high.

Introduction

District 2 of Florida’s Department of Transportation manages a district-wide Safe Routes to School program that has provided pedestrian and bicycle safety outreach and education to more than 28,500 children in 605 schools since it began in September 2007.

The population of District 2 in northeastern Florida is more than 1.7 million in both urban and rural areas of 18 counties covering nearly 12,000 square miles. Its major cities include Gainesville, Jacksonville, Lake City, Amelia Island, Palatka, Perry, Saint Augustine and Starke.

Introduction

Unlike many of the surrounding schools, Gove Elementary in Belle Glade, FL, is confronted with unique challenges to implement its Safe Routes to School program. Gove Elementary is a Title 1 school in a rural area with many of its students coming from families of migrant workers. The constant influx and outflow of students can be challenging for teachers, staff and the students. Despite these challenges, Gove Elementary has achieved success in promoting safety and wellness both in the school and in the community.

Introduction

The Smyrna School District and the Town of Smyrna identified the goal of improving safety for children who already were walking and bicycling to school. Community members also wanted to promote physical activity among their youth.

Smyrna has a small school district with eight schools, only one of which is a high school. Three elementary schools currently participate in SRTS: North Smyrna Elementary School, (with 42 percent of students in low income bracket), Smyrna Elementary School and Clayton Elementary School.

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