Safe Routes to School E-News
Issue #179: February 2021
Safe Routes Partnership E-News is a monthly email newsletter published by the Safe Routes Partnership. We are also on Facebook and Twitter. Join us!
- Introducing the 2021 Safe Routes to Parks Grantees
- The 117th Congress Takes Strong First Steps Toward Improving Walking, Biking, and Rolling
- Free Training: Engineering Solutions and Strategies for Safe Routes to School
- Free Webinar: Dive into Racial and Geographical Demographics of Student Population and SRTS Implementation
- New Publication Features Economic Benefits of Active Travel to School
- 50+ Cycling Survey Databook Now Available
- Mississippi Groups: Sign On to Support Funding for Walking, Biking, and Safe Routes to School!
- Keep Riding in 2021
1. Introducing the 2021 Safe Routes to Parks Grantees
The Safe Routes Partnership is excited to introduce the 2021 Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities grantees. These seven organizations were selected from almost 100 applications that illustrated the deep need and community support for safer, more accessible parks in communities across the country. Meet the grantees.
2. The 117th Congress Takes Strong First Steps Toward Improving Walking, Biking, and Rolling
The start of the 117th Congress has been eventful to say the least. Between the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6th, the Democrats re-gaining control of the Senate with the election of Senators Ossoff and Warnock in the Georgia runoff, former President Trump’s second impeachment, and the inauguration of President Biden, it can be hard to keep track of the flurry of new bills being introduced by members of Congress. Our federal policy blog highlights three Capitol Hill happenings related to walking, bicycling, and Safe Routes to School. Read our federal policy blog.
3. Free Training: Engineering Solutions and Strategies for Safe Routes to School
Engineering is a fundamental component of Safe Routes to School, yet one of the trickiest to tackle. However, engineering does not have to mean big budget, long-term infrastructure projects. Small, cost-effective engineering solutions can still create meaningful change. On February 25, learn how you can implement quick, low-cost engineering solutions and strategies to improve safety and livability for students, staff, and the entire community. Register today!
4. Free Webinar: Dive into Racial and Geographical Demographics of Student Population and SRTS Implementation
As schools prepare to fully reopen, how can Safe Routes to School programs (SRTS) help prepare for the resurgence of children walking and rolling through busy intersections? Mineta Transportation researchers analyzed the relationship between the presence of SRTS programs and the likelihood that children will travel to school by active modes. They also identified the potential to bolster existing SRTS programs by leveraging university student and city partnerships. Learn more on February 16 and register now for 'Let's Walk the Walk.'
5. New Publication Features Economic Benefits of Active Travel to School
The January issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine includes a systematic review from The Community Guide that shows the economic benefits of active travel to school interventions exceed the cost. The issue also features a commentary from CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity about how economic evidence for active travel to school and other interventions can inform decision making, create community momentum, and increase physical activity. Read both articles: Economics of interventions to increase active travel to school: a Community Guide systematic review and Economic benefits of promoting safe walking and biking to school: creating momentum for community improvements.
6. 50+ Cycling Survey Databook Now Available
dblTilde Collaborative has completed its review of over 2,200 responses to the 50+ Cycling Survey completed in 2020. The Databook offers a unique glimpse into the cycling habits and preferences for over 2,200 cyclists from all parts of the United States, including the impact of COVID-19 (sneak preview – most are cycling more; fewer are cycling less). This comprehensive review of responses to the 50+ Cycling Survey 2020 shows that while many people continue cycling as they age, adapting to changes in physical ability is key. The Databook is available for download at the dblTillde Collaborative website under Let’s Collaborate. The 50+ Cycling Survey Databook underscores the growing need for mobility options, inclusive and accessible environments, and support for community members through their lives. View the recording of our webinar Safe Routes for Older Adults: Walking, Cycling, and Transit to learn more about these topics from dblTilde Collaborative and others.
7. Mississippi Groups: Sign On to Support Funding for Walking, Biking, and Safe Routes to School!
Are you an organization, bike club, local government, or government agency based in or working in Mississippi? We need your help encouraging Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi to cosponsor Transportation Alternatives legislation in the United States Senate! In 2019, Senator Wicker co-sponsored a Senate Transportation Alternatives bill that ultimately passed the relevant Senate committee last Congress. Now that we have a new Congress, we need to show him that local groups in Mississippi care about this program and want to see him lead on this issue once again. Please review our alert with more information, the letter, and a link for your organization to sign on. Not in Mississippi? Please circulate to partners in Mississippi! The deadline for signatories is Monday, February 15.
Millions of riders across the U.S. discovered the joy and endless potential of bicycling in 2020. PeopleForBikes joins you in entering this new year with a great deal of optimism. As we pedal head-on into 2021, let’s discover our own potential, challenge ourselves, and experience our best year yet thanks to bicycling. Join the movement.