Safe Routes to School E-News
Issue #28: April 2008
Safe Routes to School E-News is a monthly email newsletter published by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, a growing national network of more than 300 non-profit organizations, government agencies, and professional groups that are working to set goals, share best practices, secure funding, and provide detailed policy input to implementing agencies for advancing the Safe Routes to School national movement.
Please forward Safe Routes to School E-News to others who may be interested!
To receive future issues of E-News, email info@saferoutespartnership.org.
In this issue:
1. Guide for Forming a SRTS State Network and 2007 Annual Report
Find the reports on-line at: www.saferoutespartnership.org
2. Safe Routes Partnership: Call for Steering Committee Nominations
The deadline to apply is May 2, 2008
3. National Complete Streets Bill Introduced in the Senate
Contact your Senator and ask them to co-sponsor the bill
4. SRTS Helping Kids with and without Disabilities to be More Active
NCPAD awarded two grants to assist in these efforts
5. May is National Bike Month
Plan a SRTS event promoting bicycling to school
6. Safe Routes to Schools are No Accident
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 working with communities to create safer streets
7. Momentum for SRTS Builds in Illinois
Funding is awarded and legislation proposed
8. DC’s Program: SRTS in the Nation’s Capitol
Applications are due on May 1, 2008
9. First National SRTS Conference Award Promotes SRTS in Evanston, IL
T-shirt sale proceeds at conference provided funds
10. SRTS News Throughout the Country
Local and state SRTS program news links
1. Guide for Forming a SRTS State Network and 2007 Annual Report
Find the reports on-line at: www.saferoutespartnership.org
In May 2007, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership launched a three-year Safe Routes to School (SRTS) State Network Project to ensure successful implementation of the federal SRTS program, and to leverage resources and build diverse partnerships in nine states and the District of Columbia. The National Partnership is now releasing two publications, produced by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, that are full of information: The Safe Routes to School State Network Project: 2007 Annual Progress Report and Establishing a Safe Routes to School State Network: A 10-Step Guide.
The 2007 Annual Progress Report summarizes the progress that the Safe Routes to School State Network Project achieved in its first year of operation, outlines lessons learned, highlights accomplishments in each State Network, and suggests next steps to maintain the momentum in the State Networks. To view the PDF report in its entirety, please visit the Partnership’s website.
Although the State Network Project currently only has funds to operate in nine states and the District of Columbia, every state could benefit from a SRTS State Network. Networks can unite diverse stakeholders to help make the state SRTS program successful, provide for an educational forum, leverage additional resources, promote policy changes to improve physical activity and safety, and contribute to a national learning network. The 10-Step Guide for forming a SRTS State Network provides a process that can be used to create a SRTS State Network in any state. It can be viewed on the Partnership’s website.
The SRTS State Network Project is funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Bikes Belong Coalition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Harvest Foundation.
2. Safe Routes Partnership: Call for Steering Committee Nominations
The deadline to apply is May 2, 2008
The Partnership is now accepting nominations for several Steering Committee positions representing government agencies, non-governmental organizations and professional associations. Each organization that holds a seat on the Steering Committee must appoint an individual representative to serve on behalf of his or her organization. Open seats and terms are:
• National pedestrian group – one seat (2008-2011)
• National group representing bicyclists and pedestrians – one seat (2008-2011)
• National group representing local government agencies – one seat (2008-2011)
• State or local bicycle group – one seat (2008-2011)
• State or local bicycle and/or pedestrian group – one seat (2008-2011)
• Local school or school district – one seat (2008-2011)
• State or local at large seat – one seat (2008-2011)
• State or local at large seat – one seat (2007-2010; fills a vacated seat)
The Steering Committee, a diverse group of up to 21 members, functions as the Partnership’s Board of Directors and holds decision-making responsibility for the Partnership. The estimated time commitment for Steering Committee members is eight hours a month. The deadline to apply is May 2, 2008. For more information on the call for nominations and to view and download the call for application and instructions, click here.
3. National Complete Streets Bill Is Introduced in the Senate
Contact your Senator and ask them to co-sponsor the bill
On Monday, March 3, 2008, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) introduced Senate bill S. 2686, The Complete Streets Act of 2008. The Complete Streets Act of 2008 was introduced to ensure that all users of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users as well as children, older individuals, and individuals with disabilities, are able to travel safely and conveniently on streets and highways. The bill would require that State DOTs and MPOs develop complete streets policies for the use of federal funds.
Co-sponsors and supporters of S. 2686 are essential - please call or write to your Senator today to gain their support. Visit the Complete Streets website for talking points, fact sheets and updated information. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is supporting this bill, as complete streets help to make our roadways safer for everyone, including children, the most vulnerable users.
The National Complete Streets Coalition is a diverse coalition of groups working in support of complete streets. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership was recently approved as a new member of the National Complete Streets Coalition Steering Committee. Other members include Active Living by Design, Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, Smart Growth America, the Thunderhead Alliance and many other vibrant non-profits and associations. For more information on how to get involved with the Coalition, click here.
4. SRTS Helping Kids with and without Disabilities to be More Active
NCPAD awarded two grants to assist in these efforts
The mission of the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) is to promote substantial health benefits that can be gained from participating in regular physical activity. The slogan of NCPAD is Exercise is for EVERY body, and every person can gain some health benefit from being more physically active. The goals of NCPAD and Safe Routes to School go hand in hand.
SRTS is also interested in helping youth with disabilities become more physically active, and the National Center for Safe Routes to School has recently awarded NCPAD two separate grants to assist them with these efforts. NCPAD will be focusing on evaluation and education, and intend to keep the interests of children with disabilities in each and every planning stage of this important initiative. To read a recent article released from NCPAD on Safe Routes to School and children with disabilities, click here.
5. May is National Bike Month
Plan a SRTS event promoting bicycling to school
May is National Bike Month, and now is the time to start thinking about planning a Safe Routes to School event promoting bicycling to school in your community.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Bike to School day(s) – give away prizes or hold a raffle to encourage students to try bicycling
• A Bike Safety Assembly
• Bike Train – one day or multiple days with parents or local bike experts leading the group
• Helmet/Bike Giveaways and fittings – local hospitals, bike groups, and other organizations could provide giveaway helmets
• Bike Rodeos – one day bike safety clinics; police, bike club or other community group could sponsor
• Incorporate bike safety, history, mechanics into PE, science, health classes
• Bike performance by drama group; bike art project by art group
• Launch of new bike club at school; or club signup rally/performance during lunch
• Fun school bike events: Slow Race, Obstacle Course, trail race, skills clinics
• Design a Bike Rack – high school/middle school painting racks, or welding or bolting/wiring artsy stuff to racks at school
• Parent “How to Bike with Your Kids” class/event – local bike club experts demo equipment (trailers, tag-alongs, seats, kids bikes), and various bicycling issues
• Organized bike rides – led by local club or high school age kids, around neighborhood or to popular destinations, with food giveaways and/or prizes
For more information on special events already going on in your community related to National Bike Month, please visit the League of American Bicyclist’s website. You can also register your May bike month event at the League’s website.
6. Safe Routes to Schools are No Accident
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 working with communities to create safer streets
The national non-profit Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 works with communities to integrate their neighborhood/school zone safety campaign into SRTS initiatives. To date, 1,000 communities representing 47 states are involved in the campaign. The mission of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 is to end all deaths and injuries caused by speeding on all roadways.
To accomplish their mission, they work to educate and actively engage citizens throughout the United States in a common commitment to create safer streets in neighborhoods, and beyond, for the benefit of all. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, children-at-play, motorists and their passengers. They work with and through neighborhood groups, law enforcement, public health agencies, schools, city/county/state government, public works, businesses, safety organizations, and any and all civic organizations committed to creating safe roadways.
Clearly, driver behavior is crucial to creating a safe environment for everyone. Controlling speed and stop sign observance is no accident. We hear the word “accident” often. Yet how many tragedies are accidents? If a driver is speeding on a neighborhood street, including school zones, or fails to stop at a crosswalk or stop sign, and hits a child or bike-rider, is that an accident?
Consider these facts:
• Most speeders on local roadways live right in the neighborhood.
• Pedestrian fatalities increase by three times when moving from 25 mph zones to 30 mph zones.
• The fatality rate per miles driven on local roads is over two times higher than on highways.
• Annually, 200 pedestrians die and 17,000 are injured when hit by a vehicle running a stop sign.
Learn more about how your community can integrate your neighborhood safety campaign into SRTS Initiatives. Contact Tom Everson, Executive Director, or visit www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org for more information.
7. Momentum for SRTS Builds in Illinois
Funding is awarded and legislation proposed
On Thursday, March 6th the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced funding awards for Illinois’ first Safe Routes to School funding cycle. IDOT awarded over $8.3 million to schools and municipalities in Illinois to implement Safe Routes to School projects and programs that will benefit school children in local communities. 298 applications were submitted, with $77.7 million requested from across the state. All applicants completed school travel plans as part of the application process. The awards announcement followed articles published in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times about the importance of Safe Routes to School programs and projects. Illinois is also one of the nine states involved in the Partnership’s SRTS State Network Project.
When announcing the awards, Megan Holt, IDOT’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator wrote to applicants, “It has been amazing to see the plans and ideas that you have had to increase the safety and number of students walking and bicycling in Illinois.” Updates to the online application and school travel plan are in the final stages and will be available to applicants in the next funding cycle.
In early 2008 three pieces of legislation that will benefit Safe Routes to School have been introduced in the Illinois Legislature. The Vulnerable Users Bill, S.B. 2596 and H.B. 4861, which passed through committees in the House and Senate, will create increased penalties for motorists whose carelessness causes the death or serious injury of a bicyclist, pedestrian or other vulnerable user of our streets. The Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School Transparency Act, S.B. 2311 and H.B. 4757, passed through committees in the House and Senate. This bill strives to bring consistency and transparency to the awarding of Safe Routes to School funds. The Green Buildings Act, HB5113, which passed the House State Government Administration Committee, includes an amendment that requires state-funded building construction to meet at least one LEED criterion for alternative transportation for public transportation or bicycle access (LEED Credits 4.1 or 4.2). This bill will affect new school construction, and is important for ensuring school siting that allows students to safely walk and bike to school.
For more information on the Illinois SRTS program, please contact SRTS Department of Transportation Coordinator Megan Holt, the SRTSNP State Network Organizer, Shana Hazan, or visit the Illinois SRTS website.
8. DC’s Program: SRTS in the Nation’s Capitol
Applications are due on May 1, 2008
The District of Columbia is currently launching the first phase of its SRTS program in which eight DC schools will receive comprehensive SRTS planning assistance. Schools must apply to be considered; applications were released on February 27th and are due on May 1, 2008. Work with each of the selected schools will take place during the 2008/2009 school year.
In addition to assisting the eight schools, DDOT is conducting certain SRTS efforts citywide. DDOT has been funding pedestrian and bicycle safety education in elementary schools since 2003 and continues to do so as part of the Federal SRTS program. DDOT is also partnering with the Metropolitan Police Department to enforce traffic laws in school zones throughout the District. Finally, DDOT will install missing sidewalk links adjacent to schools.
DC is participating in the SRTS National Partnership State Network Project. DC’s SRTS Network serves as the advisory committee to the program. The Network Organizer is Glen Harrison of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, and diverse members of the Network include representatives from the City Council, various DC agencies, and local non-profits.
For more information on the DC SRTS program, please contact the DC Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Jennifer Hefferan, the SRTSNP State Network Organizer, Glen Harrison, or visit DC’s SRTS website.
9. First National SRTS Conference Award Promotes SRTS in Evanston, IL
T-shirt sale proceeds at conference provided funds
In November 2007, the National Center for Safe Routes to School and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership co-presented the first National Safe Routes to School Conference, which was hosted by the Michigan Fitness Foundation in Dearborn, Michigan. A t-shirt sale took place at the conference, and the proceeds of the sale were offered as a raffle prize for conference attendees who had purchased a t-shirt. The $783 in prize money was awarded to Suzan A. Pinsof and Associates to support a local safe routes to school program.
Suzan A. Pinsof and Associates chose to spend the award money on a Multi-modal Transportation Plan for the City of Evanston, Illinois. The plan got underway in January 2008, and will address all modes of transportation including walking and bicycling. School access will be a focus of the pedestrian analysis. Safe walking/biking concept plans will be developed for four schools. Evanston has supportive walking infrastructure but, as a city of 75,000 with increasing traffic, it also has plenty of issues with speeding cars and difficult intersections. There is a high level of adult bicycling but, even with a newly implemented bicycle plan, very few children ride bikes to school.
As part of the project, they are surveying principals to determine school transportation mode shares and issues impacting walking and bicycling. They are also asking about willingness to participate in student and parent surveys. However, the project falls short of providing a comprehensive Safe Routes to School planning process, and the community has not yet seen the potential for increased walking and bicycling to school for Evanston students. Suzan A. Pinsof and Associates plan to use the $783 grant to engage the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation to run a SRTS Workshop. They will invite parents, interested citizens, teachers, administrators, and other professionals from the health, planning, and transportation communities. Their hope is to energize the community so that they see more SRTS projects, and realize the potential for walking and bicycling to school in Evanston, Illinois.
10. SRTS News Throughout the Country
Local and state SRTS program news links
Safe Routes to School news around the country keeps growing! Updated regularly, see our new SRTS in the News media center for the latest in local, state, and national SRTS news.
Help Grow the Partnership!
Joining the Partnership is free. Please encourage other organizations, schools, businesses, and government agencies to join the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.
Funding for the Safe Routes to School National Partnership has been generously provided by the Bikes Belong Coalition, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Harvest Foundation, and partner affiliates.
For more information, contact:
Deb Hubsmith, Director
Safe Routes to School National Partnership
deb@saferoutespartnership.org
www.saferoutespartnership.org
(415) 454-7430