Policy & funding

Introduction

The town of Bethel, CT, has built its three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school within the same educational complex. The Connecticut Department of Transportation awarded the town of Bethel with $250,000 in Safe Routes to School (SRTS) federal funds for infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalk installations, to increase the children’s safety when walking to school and to downtown Bethel.

Introduction

Since its inception in February 2006, the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s (ConnDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program has awarded approximately $1.6 million in federal funding for promotion, training and infrastructure projects. Approximately $1.3 million of this amount went to fund infrastructure projects, such as installing pedestrian signals, creating dedicated bicycle lanes and filling in gaps in discontinuous sidewalk networks.

Introduction

Foothill Elementary School in Boulder, CO, had been participating in International Walk to School Day for several years before a group of parents joined forces to increase pedestrian and bicycle efforts using Safe Routes to School (SRTS) principles. Although the parents had different motivations, from a desire to build the community to a wish to outgrow the car culture, the group’s work increased the numbers of students walking and bicycling to Foothill Elementary.

Introduction

More than 4,000 Portland metro area students from 30 schools signed up to compete against Portland State University (PSU) students in the Portland May 2008 Walk + Bike Challenge Month.

Introduction

Introduction

Roosevelt Middle School and the surrounding community of Eugene, Oregon, have successfully developed a team of community organizations committed to providing Safe Routes to School (SRTS) for children.

Introduction

Two Lawton, Oklahoma, schools have begun walking school buses to address different challenges, and both schools have seen unexpected benefits from their efforts.

Principal Brenda Hatch has been instrumental in Safe Routes to School programs at both schools in the pilot project: she was principal at Howell Elementary School when the program started in 2007, and now she is principal at Whittier Elementary School.

Introduction

Nine elementary and middle schools in Mansfield, OH, received funding for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects through the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). As a result, more than 1,000 students will benefit from sidewalk improvements and installations, as well as from various education and encouragement activities.

Introduction

Introduction

The village of Ossining, NY, is located within Westchester County, NY, along the Hudson River. The elementary schools within the town and village of Ossining are divided into two grade increments, and several buses serve each school. The necessary busing program and a lack of physical infrastructure prevent many children from walking to school.