Description
Infrastructure improvements that improve the safety and security of active modes of transportation for youth aim to increase walking, biking, and “rolling” to schools, parks, and after-school activities. The implementation of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plans involves coordinating with local school districts to implement safety projects such as crossing guards, signage, bicycle and pedestrian facilities as well as incorporating messaging about the benefits of active transportation into school curricula.
Implementation Details
- Coordinate with Unified School Districts to incorporate SRTS improvements into district-level facility plans.
- Develop joint applications with member jurisdictions for Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Cycle 7 and SRTS grants to fund enhanced crosswalks, bulb-outs, and bicycle safety signage.
- Integrate Safe Routes to School implementation with non-motorized improvements along key corridors.
- Incorporate tracking of SRTS infrastructure and student safety metrics into TAM’s regional performance monitoring system.
- Identify schools located within ½ mile of active transportation corridors for prioritization in SRTS planning.
Mitigation Potential
Active modes of transportation for youth improve travel options for how students make trips to and from school. VMT is impacted by improving access and safety for alternative modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, scooters and skateboards.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-56. Active Modes of Transportation for Youth, pg. 228-231 for VMT reduction quantification.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Active transportation infrastructure improvements should prioritize Safe Routes to Schools in underserved areas. Ensuring equitable access includes culturally relevant outreach, provision of safety gear, and collaboration with schools serving low-income families. Infrastructure improvements should address gaps in networks or unsafe crossings near public schools in DACs.
Funding Sources
Eligible projects can be funded through Federal and State grants. Such funding sources include the Regional Active Transportation Program, the Statewide Active Transportation Program (California Transportation Commission), the Local Streets and Roads Program (California Transportation Commission), Safe Streets and Roads for All (United States Department of Transportation), the Highway Safety Improvement Program (Caltrans), the Sustainable Communities Program (Metropolitan Transportation Commission), the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program (California Department of Housing and Community Development), and the Surface Transportation Block Grant & Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Programs (Metropolitan Transportation Commission ).
Implemented in TAM Area
Current TDM Implementation
Marin County Safe Routes to School Program is managed by TAM, operating in 60 schools and serving 29,000 students. The program has implemented physical infrastructure improvements around schools and offers each school a Task Force to discuss infrastructure and enforcement issues. Active transportation infrastructure improvements included improved crosswalks and traffic calming measures.
TDM Benefit Locations
While all schools will benefit from active transportation infrastructure, targeting areas with high student density, busier arterials, and documented traffic safety concerns, can be especially beneficial. This includes San Rafael near Canal, Bahia, Terra Linda, and Davidson Middle, and Novato near Hamilton, Downtown, and San Marin.