Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a movement that aims to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, or roll to school. The movement started due to the declining number of children using active transportation to travel to school, as well as the upward trend of childhood obesity.
Walking and biking are an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Safe Routes to School programs provide the opportunity to make walking and biking to school fun, healthy, safer, and accessible to all who chose to walk and bike to school. SRTS programs offer opportunities for students of all abilities to experience independent travel. Active travel connects people, develops friendships, creates healthful opportunities, and empowers youth to be active and independent. Safe Routes to School programs play a pivotal role in communities’ efforts to become more inviting, accessible, and inclusive.
There are many benefits to both the students and the broader community resulting from Safe Routes to School interventions including: