Safe Routes to School (SRTS) 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 is a nationwide program that can benefit communities by enhancing children’s health and well-being, easing traffic congestion, improving air quality near schools, and increasing the overall health of the community and the built environment.
SRTS programs offer opportunities for students of all abilities to experience independent travel. Active travel connects people, develops friendships, creates opportunities for students to make healthy choices, 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:
Improved traffic safety and increased confidence for students through opportunities to learn about and practice road safety.
Students who are ready to learn, who are healthy, awake and alert, with better focus and concentration.
Solutions to school transportation issues such as hazardous traffic congestion and student absences and tardiness due to transportation challenges.
Increased family and community engagement, providing positive social opportunities for students and families.
Increased daily physical activity, forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime, helping students decrease the risk of chronic disease and obesity.
Reduced idling times during drop off and pick up, combined with more carpooling, walking,
biking and/or rolling to school results in cleaner air and reduced asthma rates.