Currently, Safe Routes to School programs throughout the 50 states and the District of Columbia have announced spending commitments for approximately 80 percent of the funds available to states. All 50 states have announced funding for local and/or statewide SRTS programs, and more than 4,000 schools are participating in state-funded SRTS programs.
Policy & funding
Solano Transportation Authority Board approves SRTS plan
In February 2008, the Solano Transportation Authority Board in Suisun City, California, approved a countywide Safe Routes to School plan and approved the creation of a $240,000 pilot funding program.
Green River, Wyoming: The Greenbelt Trail System
Introduction
Charleston, West Virginia: SRTS Program
Introduction
West Virginia: Safe Routes West Virginia
Introduction
Moses Lake, Washington: Safety solutions are a community effort
Introduction
Because of its rural setting, Longview Elementary School and the Moses Lake community faced unique issues surrounding child safety and safer walking programs. A small number of students walk to school, and residents were concerned with the safety of the two main roads leading up to the school’s entrance. Parents and teachers and members of the Parent Teachers Association voiced concerns about safety conditions on the roads and took the initiative to work with the community in finding solutions.
Auburn, Washington: Collaboration Creates Success
Introduction
In 1995, the Auburn School District linked concerns about the high cost of transportation and increased childhood obesity to create cooperation that has led to 20 percent of its district’s students walking to school.
“The key to our program is the partnership,” said Jim Denton, Director of Transportation for the Auburn School District in Auburn, WA, for 12 years.
Washington: The Washington SRTS Program
Introduction
Windsor, Vermont: Parent volunteers lead walking school buses forward
Introduction
Safe Routes to School coordinators at State Street School listened to parents while developing a program anchored by walking school buses that address worries about safety of children walking and bicycling to school.
Results from the locally administered parent survey showed that parents’ biggest barrier was fear of stranger danger and traffic speed, according to physical education teacher Donna Ewald, who spearheaded the SRTS effort. Creating walking school buses provided adult supervision for students walking to school.
Putney, Vermont: Encouraging Healthy Living
Introduction
Putney Central School is a kindergarten through eighth grade school in Putney, Vermont, a rural area with a town population of approximately 2,600 residents. Most of the students who attend Putney Central live a good distance from the school, and the combination of distance, unsafe drivers and lack of sidewalks prevent children from walking or bicycling there.