Safe Routes to School
Overview
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a new program created by the federal transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU. The Program's goal is to increase the number of children in grades K-8 who bicycle and walk to school. The Program's enabling legislation guides how this will be implemented: 1) by increasing awareness; 2) developing locally-driven and supported programs; 3) improving bicycling and walking conditions near the qualifying schools; and 4) evaluating at the project and Program levels. Benefits of the Program include: reduced congestion and increased safety near participating schools; reduced air pollution in route to and near participating schools; and increased physical activity of children.
Georgia SRTS Updates
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The Georgia Department of Transportation announces a Call for SRTS Infrastructure Projects. See “Applications and Program Guidance." For eligibility requirements, click here.
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The Non-Infrastructure portion of the program will be implemented through Georgia’s SRTS Resource Center. On September 9, 2008, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was advertised for the Resource Center. We are excited about this direction and look forward to executing the selection process as expeditiously as possible. Once the Center is established, any K–8 school in Georgia can enroll and receive SRTS services free of charge. The Center will assist schools with all education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation, planning and other non-construction related activities.
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The Infrastructure portion of the program, which consists of projects such as crosswalks, sidewalks, and traffic calming devices, will be implemented through an engineering consulting firm. Currently, GDOT is negotiating the contract with the selected firm. This final stage of the contract process is expected to be completed by Fall 2008.
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We encourage all prospective applicants to establish or maintain their comprehensive SRTS program for their schools/communities in order to encompass the 5 Es of the SRTS program – engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation.
The 5 Es
Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive program that includes the 5 Es:
- Evaluation - Monitoring and researching outcomes and trends through the collection of data, including the collection of mode share before and after the program intervention(s)
- Encouragement - Using events and activities to promote walking and bicycling
- Education - Teaching the school community about the broad range of transportation choices, instructing them in important life-long safety skills and offering school-bound and school area driver safety campaigns
- Engineering - Creating operational and physical improvements to the infrastructure surrounding schools that reduce speeds and establishing safer crosswalks, walkways, trails and bikeways
- Enforcement - Partnering with local law enforcement to ensure drivers obey traffic laws, initiating community enforcement such as crossing guard programs and ensuring that policies are enforced
SRTS Newsletters
Videos & Public Announcements
- "Why Safe Routes to School?" Video
(Created by the National Safe Routes to School Clearinghouse)
WATCH THIS VIDEO NOW!