Alaska Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program

DOT&PF hope drivers, bikers and pedestrians can be more alert now that an increasing amount of people are utilizing the shoulders and sidewalks for their personal commute and exercise.

Safe Routes to School programs aim to make it safer for students to walk and bike to school and encourage more walking and biking where safety is not a barrier. Children are especially at risk to cars and can practice being safe by helping motorists see you.

Parents and children can help motorists notice them by:

• Wearing bright and reflective clothing when walking or biking to school.
• Equipping the bike bright front and rear lights
• Walking to schools in a group, as there is safety in numbers.
• Wearing a brightly colored helmet

For more information about bike safety please visit: www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety

The Link between Kids Who Walk or Bike to School and Concentration

Children who walk or cycle to school rather than being driven by their parents have an increased power of concentration, and the effect of this ‘exercise’ lasts all morning! This was one of the main conclusions of a comprehensive Danish project – The ‘Mass Experiment 2012’ – which set out to examine the link between diet, exercise and the power of concentration. Walking and bicycling to school also enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. 

Read more at: walkbiketoschool.org

Program Update

Although the law that created Safe Routes to Schools is continuing, dedicated funding to the program has ceased as of 2012.

Grant funding opportunities still exist for communities to continue to help make it safer for children in grades K-8 to walk and bike safely to school. A match of 20% is required for all TAP projects.

Tribal entities and Communities can support and initiate local transportation safety improvement projects.  They are eligible to receive funding for planning, design, and construction and maintenance activities. Contact your regional or village transportation agency for more information on other funding sources.

Grant funding opportunities are available under ATAP: dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/cip/stip/projects/TAP.shtml

Contact

For more information contact the Statewide Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator at (907) 465-6978