Safe Routes to School
Walking and biking to school mean healthier children and less traffic. DDOT’s Safe Routes to School program helps make it safer, more convenient, and more fun to get to school on foot or by bike. The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program is funded by the US Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.
DDOT’s program has four main initiatives:
- Education: Since 2003, DDOT has funded safety education in elementary schools. Kindergarten, first and second graders learn pedestrian safety, while third, fourth and fifth graders learn bicycle skills. Experts from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association give the training at eight schools per year, and at other events. In 2007, they trained over 3000 DC children.
- Enforcement: SRTS funds pay for extra traffic enforcement in school zones with help from our partners at the Metropolitan Police Department.
- Sidewalks: There are missing sidewalks near schools throughout the District, making it difficult to walk to school. DDOT is spending $1.5 million over 2 years to install sidewalks in schools zones.
- Pilot Schools: The most ambitious component of DDOT’s safe routes program is the pilot schools initiative. In 2008, DDOT will select eight schools, one in each ward, to undergo comprehensive safe routes evaluation, and implementation, in all of the areas mentioned above: education, enforcement, engineering and encouragement. DDOT will be accepting applications in March for pilot schools. Involvement of all school community stakeholders will be key to the success of this initiative.
Pilot School News:
The District of Columbia Department of Transportation is currently accepting applications from schools that are interested in participating in the DC Safe Routes to School Pilot Program. Completed applications must be received by 4:30 pm on May 1, 2008.
Application Timeline:
March 3, 2008: Call for Applications Opens
May 1, 2008: Applications Due
June 2008: Pilot Schools Selected
More information:
If you would like to learn more about any of these initiatives, or request assistance in your school community, please contact Jennifer Hefferan, Safe Routes to School Coordinator at (202) 671-2227
Links:
The National Center for Safe Routes to School
Federal Highway Administration Safe Routes to School
International Walk to School in the USA (for Walk to School Day events)
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