Safe Routes To School

National Center for Safe Routes to School

ATSSA Past Chairmen Peter Speer and Kathi Holst discuss the Safe Routes to School Program with Rep. James Oberstar (D.-Minn.) during a Capitol Hill visit. Rep. Oberstar was instrumental in creating the Program, which encourages children to walk or bicycle to school. ATSSA created a booklet for school administrators to help them better understand this program. To view the booklet, click here.

SRTS Resource Guide

Check out these releases!

Putting Safety in the Safe Routes to School Program: A School Administrator's Guide
Putting Safety in the Safe Routes to School Program: An ATSSA Member Guide to New Business Opportunities

State Coordinators by State

Resource Directory

NEWS

SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL FUNDING FLOWS

ATSSA staff monitoring the Safe Routes to School Program created by the SAFETEA-LU legislation report that funding is beginning to “hit the street.” Early program commitments were for educational programs and community support. Infrastructure programs are now underway. As an example, according to a recent report “Infrastructure improvements around Otay and Rice Elementary (CA) will occur within one-quarter mile buffer zones of the school. The improvements will include an offset median, curb extensions, setback limit lines, enhanced striping, prominent crosswalk zebra striping, pedestrian ramps compliant with the American with Disabilities Act and non-slip sidewalk grating. Crosswalk enhancements, the addition of flashing yellow beacons and school warning signs will reduce potential driver and pedestrian conflicts.” You can find the name and contact information of your state SRTS coordinator here.

Michigan wins first annual James L. Oberstar Safe Routes to School Award

Additional Links

MUTCD Part 7
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is incorporated by reference in 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F and shall be recognized as the national standard for all traffic control devices installed on any street, highway, or bicycle trail open to public travel in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 109(d) and 402(a). The policies and procedures of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to obtain basic uniformity of traffic control devices shall be as described in 23 CFR 655, Subpart F.

Federal Safe Routes to School Programs

Federal Highway Administration administers the Safe Routes to School program funds made available by the federal Safe Routes to School program and legislation. FHWA provides guidance and regulations about SRTS programs. FHWA's Safe Routes page provides information and program guidance for the Federally-funded Safe Routes to School Program. In addition, FHWA maintains a pedestrian and bicyclist programs resource page.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration operates programs and supports research for many pedestrian and bicycle-related safety issues. NHTSA provided much early support for Safe Routes to School, including administering the SRTS pilot programs and funding numerous other guides and research activities. NHTSA operates a Bicycle Safety Program and a Pedestrian Safety Program.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services includes many papers and resources on Safe Routes to School. A key CDC program is Kids Walk to School.