Safe Routes to School Program

Why Safe Routes now?

Congress put funding in the current federal highway bill (SAFETEA-LU) to address national concern for our children's health and safety. The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative provides $612 million through 2009 so that communities can:

• Enable children, including those with disabilities, to more safely walk and bicycle to school
• Encourage a healthy and active lifestyle among children
• Support activities that make walking more appealing and safe to reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution near schools

Each state administers its own program to solicit and select projects for funding through its Department of Transportation and Safe Routes to School Coordinator. The funding is ready and available for cities and counties to request.

Concerns Stimulate Action

• Children aged 5-15 are nearly one-fifth of all traffic fatalities in vehicle crashes and as pedestrians, making this the leading cause of death for children of every age.
• In 2004 alone, nearly 30,000 children were killed or injured as pedestrians (12,400) and pedalcyclists (17,100).
• For children 15 and younger, 43% of pedestrian deaths occur between 3 and 7 p.m.¹

Statistics such as these cause concern among parents and drivers. By reducing and calming traffic around schools and along school routes, SRTS helps communities make walking and biking to school a safe and routine activity.

Useful Links

• Federal Highway Bill
• SAFETEA-LU Overview

¹All facts from Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), NHSTA Traffic Safety Facts 2004