Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a movement that helps children get to school safely and actively by walking, biking, or rolling. When kids have safe routes, they get more physical activity, build independence, and arrive at school ready to learn.
A generation ago, walking or biking to school was common. In 1969, almost half of all children in the United States, and nearly 90 percent of those living within a mile of school, walked or biked to class. Today, fewer than 15 percent do. The change has meant less activity for kids, more cars on the road, and greater safety concerns. Driving children to school now makes up as much as 14 percent of morning traffic.
Safe Routes to School was created to turn this trend around. Congress first approved funding for the program in 2005, and communities across the country have used these resources to build sidewalks, bike lanes, and crosswalks, and to run education and encouragement programs with schools and families. Studies show that these efforts work by increasing walking and biking to school and reducing injuries.
The work happens at every level. Local leaders organize programs with families and schools. State and regional partners find funding and make sure it is used well. National organizations, including the Safe Routes Partnership, advocate for policies and provide resources that help communities succeed.
At the heart of Safe Routes to School are the Six Es: evaluation, education, encouragement, engineering, engagement, and equity. Together, these principles guide programs that make walking and biking to school safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for children and communities.
Read more about the history of Safe Routes to School and the Safe Routes Partnership
At the federal level, the Safe Routes Partnership and its allies maintain a steady voice for policy and funding support in Washington and provide a source of expert help, ideas, and resources for leaders at all levels.
At the state level, state departments of transportation receive Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) federal funds and select projects through a competitive process open to local governments and school systems.
At the local level, Safe Routes to School practitioners run education and encouragement programs with families and schools and push for strong municipal and district policies to support safe walking and bicycling.
Since 2005, Safe Routes to School programs have benefited more than 14,000 schools in all 50 states. And the demand continues to grow, especially low-income communities, communities of color, and rural communities, where it is difficult to safely and conveniently walk, roll, or get physical activity. These are the communities where the next generation of supportive policies and programs are needed most.
