The Safe Routes to School National Conference ended on a high note after two days of networking and learning with more than 500 champions for walking, bicycling, and Safe Routes to School. We left Columbus with an abundance of new energy, ideas, and information, with three highlights emerging as broad themes for the direction of our work.
1. Equity: The 6th E. Equity was the focus of many of the conference panel discussions andworkshops. In order to make walking, bicycling, and Safe Routes to School accessible to all kids and communities, we need to understand the different barriers and opportunities thataffect different groups, and craft our policies, programs, and overall approaches with those various challenges and needs in mind.
2. Build New Partnerships. We heard success stories from programs and organizations all over the country that showcased the importance of strong partnerships with community groups working on social justice, health, environmental justice, housing, and community safety.
3. Share Resources. If you didn't get a chance to pick up fact sheets and reports from our booth, here is a list of the resources that were offered -- all available to download for free on our website.
- Making Strides: State Report Cards on Support for Walking, Biking, and Active Kids and Communities
- At the Intersection of Active Transportation and Equity: Joining Forces to Make Communities Healthier and Fairer
- Taking Back the Streets and Sidewalks: How Safe Routes to School and Community Safety Initiatives Can Overcome Violence and Crime
- Using the Transportation Alternatives Program to Improve Safety and Health in Your Community
- Equity Atlases: How Data and Maps Can Illuminate Transportation and Equity
- Fighting for Equitable Transportation: Why It Matters
- Personal Safety in Safe Routes to School: Addressing Violence and Crime in Your Community
- Rural Communities: Best Practices and Promising Approaches to Safe Routes
Thank you to all who came and brought their diverse ideas, information, and inspiration to Columbus. We look forward to seeing you at the next conference!