About Us
What is the Safe Routes Partnership?
The Safe Routes Partnership is a nonprofit organization working to advance safe walking and rolling to and from schools and in everyday life, improving the health and well-being for everyone, and building healthy, thriving communities for everyone. The Safe Routes Partnership is a the national leader in the Safe Routes to School movement.
What is Safe Routes to School?
Safe Routes to School is a movement that began with the goal of making it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to school. Since the first federally funded Safe Routes to School program was created in 2005, the initiative has grown and evolved, with policy and funding support at the federal, state, and local levels.
Today, state departments of transportation distribute federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funds through competitive grant processes to support Safe Routes initiatives. Local practitioners lead the charge by working with schools and families, offering education and encouragement programs, and advocating for policies that support safe and active transportation.
The strongest Safe Routes to School programs use the Six E's framework.
Safe Routes to School projects are in every state, with 425+ Safe Routes to School programs working to make walking and biking safer.
$14 billion
secured over the past decade to build safer infrastructure
37% increase
in kids biking and walking where Safe Routes to School is implemented
47% reduction
in crashes involving kids in communities with Safe Routes to School
$4.40
in health and safety benefits for every $1 invested in Safe Routes to School
Our Role
The Safe Routes Partnership helps drive this movement forward. At the national level, we advocate for strong policies and sustained funding, while offering expert resources, guidance, and support to champions at every level. Our team, located across the country, works alongside communities to create lasting change that promotes health, safety, and equity.
We also collaborate with a wide network of partners who help share opportunities, elevate local voices, and build momentum. Longtime partners include AARP, National PTA, American Heart Association, Active Living By Design, Salud America, America Walks, ChangeLab Solutions, PolicyLink, Smart Growth America, and PeopleForBikes, among others.
Together, we are building a future where walking, biking, and rolling are safe, accessible, and joyful options for everyone, everywhere.