Description
Active transportation programs for schools encourage the use of active transportation through organized and supervised programs. 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, parents, and volunteers to organize supervised grouped travel, such as bike trains or walking school buses.
- Implement incentive or encouragement programs (designated “walk-to-school” days, classroom competitions) to reinforce active modes of transportation.
- Incorporate tracking of SRTS infrastructure and student safety metrics into TAM’s regional performance monitoring system.
- Collaborate with a non-profit or TMA to teach children how to ride a bicycle and safely navigate streets.
- Launch youth mobility programs that include walking audits, bike rodeos, and transit field trips in school districts across Marin County.
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.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Active transportation programs targeted toward youth 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. Programs should address barriers such as lack of infrastructure or unsafe crossings near public schools in DACs.
Funding Sources
Eligible programs can be funded through Federal and State Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and SRTS grants. Some cities offer SRTS grants and these projects can often be packaged with larger programs or improvements to expand funding eligibility.
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 runs educational activities for students and facilitates a Task Force at each school that brings together school staff and parent volunteers to identify safety issues and a plan to address them. SRTS volunteers host active transportation events like Bike to School Day, Walk and Roll Wednesdays, and Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.
TDM Benefit Locations
While all schools will benefit from active transportation programs, 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. It would also be beneficial to provide more resources for schools in lower and middle income areas, where less parents have the ability to volunteer to maintain these programs due to financial and time barriers.