August 2016

Safe Routes to School E-News
Issue #126: August 2016

Safe Routes to School E-News is a monthly email newsletter published by the Safe Routes Partnership. We are also on Facebook and Twitter. Join us!

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  1. Update on the Next Safe Routes to School National Conference
  2. A Look at the Republican and Democratic Party Platforms
  3. Register for our Free Webinar on Youth Organizing
  4. California Continues to See High Demand for Active Transportation Funding
  5. Fundraise the Healthy Way with Active Schools Fundraising
  6. Partner of the Month: I'm Safe
  7. National Bike Challenge Heats Up
  8. News and Links

1. Update on the Next Safe Routes to School National Conference

After the wrap-up of the 2016 Safe Routes to School Conference in Columbus, OH, we’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about when the next conference will take place. Thanks again to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission for hosting an informative, inspiring, and fun gathering that has generated even more interest and excitement around bringing together advocates and practitioners from across the country for information-sharing and networking.
 
Historically, the Safe Routes to School National Conference has been held every other year during odd-numbered years, alternating with the Pro Walk Pro Bike Pro Place conference. We’ve decided to return to that schedule, and the next Safe Routes to School National Conference will take place in in 2019.
 
If you are interested in your city or organization being considered as a host for the 2019 Safe Routes to School National Conference, please contact margo@saferoutespartnership.org.  Starting in early 2017, we will be reaching out to interested state or local partners to identify a great location for the 2019 conference.  So, put your name in the hat now if you are interested.
 
Join Safe Routes to School Experts at the 2017 National Walking Summit
 
We know that three years is long time to go without opportunities for training and networking with other experts in the field, so we’re happy to be partnering with America Walks to offer robust Safe Routes to School content at the 2017 National Walking Summit, which is taking place September 13-15, 2017 in St. Paul, Minnesota. We will share more information about opportunities for Safe Routes to School advocates and practitioners at the National Walking Summit in the coming months.
 
In addition, we will be looking for opportunities to integrate Safe Routes to School content into other national, regional and state-level conferences throughout 2017 and 2018. If you have suggestions about where we need to be, please email margo@saferoutespartnership.org.
 
We hope to see you in St. Paul next September!

2. A Look at the Republican and Democratic Party Platforms

Congress is quiet this month, but both political parties just had their national conventions and approved their party platforms. In this month’s federal policy blog, we review the transportation planks of the Democratic and Republican party platforms. While the platforms don’t go into great detail, they do provide context for what types of transportation investments are a priority for each party.

3. Register for our Free Webinar on Youth Engagement

Youth support for policy change, program development, and community planning can be the catalyst to success: When kids speak up, adults listen. Learn about youth engagement at the local, regional and state level, how kids of all ages are influencing their community in positive ways, and how your community can engage youth, participate in meaningful dialogue, and share ideas with decision makers and community members to make a difference for safety in their community. Learn more and register here!

Plus: Save the date for our #MoveEquity tweetchat on August 17 to discuss youth organizing and leadership in low-income communities and communities of color.

4. California Continues to See High Demand for Active Transportation Funding

Applications for the 3rd cycle of the Active Transportation Program (ATP) in California have been submitted, and based on Caltrans log of applications, demand remains strong.  More than 450 applications totaling $977.6 million were submitted.  While the log of applications doesn’t specific Safe Routes to School projects, our California team counted 127 applications that involve schools (~28 percent).  Review of applications is underway, with award decisions anticipated in October 2016 and approval by the California Transportation Commission expected in December. Read more.

5. A Healthier, More Active Way to Fundraise

Try out Active Schools Fundraising this fall for a chance to win prizes from all our partner organizations. We will feature our partners in webinars August through September. Find out what prizes you could win and learn more here. 

Interested in raising funds to purchase mybackpacktags® to help eliminate confusion at school dismissal, ensure safety and encourage walking and bicycling to/from school? Join our webinar Tuesday, August 16th 10:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 p.m. ET. Register here.
 
Interested in custom rewards for active students or want to make kids who walk to school more visible? Raise funds to purchase I'm Safe products. Join this webinar Wednesday, August31st 11:00 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET. Register here.
6. Partner of the Month: I'm Safe
 
I'm Safe is offering a 10-20 percent discount plus 5 percent net sale proceeds to the Safe Routes Partnership on all orders that use code SRTS20. Learn more here.
 
For 20 years, I’m Safe has served schools and Safe Routes to School programs by providing affordable incentives and research-based education materials. Want custom rewards for active students? Need to make walk-to-school kids more visible? I’m Safe has it all!
 
Thank you to I'm Safe for being a Sponsoring Partner of both Fire Up Your Feet and Active Schools Fundraising! 
7. National Bike Challenge: That's My Challenge
 
Longest ride of your life. Commuted to work. Crossed state lines. Rode every day of the week. Mountain biked for the first time. Did you conquer a personal challenge this year?

Send a picture from one of your rides to nbc@peopleforbikes.org and tell us about a National Bike Challenge goal that you absolutely crushed. Or tag a photo of yourself on your favorite social channel with #thatsmychallenge.
8. News and Extras