June 2018

Safe Routes to School E-News
Issue #147: June 2018

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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Safe Routes to School June Enews:

The purpose of this survey is to better understand Safe Routes to School programs, to help us deliver resources and address needs, and to give us a better sense of the state of Safe Routes to School in the United States. All information will be kept confidential at the individual response level. We will share aggregated information publicly. We may contact you for additional information, or permission to publish. This survey should take between 15-20 minutes and will close on June 11th. Take the Survey.

$16M in new Safe Routes to School Funding Available this Summer in Oregon

Last year, the Oregon state legislature dedicated $10 million each year for Safe Routes to School infrastructure projects. Our own Kari Schlosshauer has been participating on the rulemaking committee and we, along with other partners, have been pushing to waive the 20-40% match for under-resourced communities and to maximize the funds available through the competitive grant process. If you are in Oregon, please plan on attending one of the workshops being held this summer to help potential grantees understand how to apply for funds

Voices Action Center

Voices for Healthy Kids Action Center leaders are a group of extraordinary individuals who are working in their communities to support policy change to ensure all children grow up healthy. If you are passionate about effecting change in your community and across the country, we would like to extend a special invitation to you to become a Voices for Healthy Kids Action Center leader. Sign up today.

Federal Policy Update: Transportation Spending, GHG Rule, and Updated State Ratings!

This month, our federal policy blog includes updates on the FY19 appropriations process, which is moving quickly with ample funding; USDOT's short-sighted decision to stop measuring transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions; and make your plans now for the June release of our 2018 state report cards on walking, biking and physical activity! Learn More.

Two FREE Webinars in June

Engaging Students with Disabilities in Safe Routes to School
Equity is a core principal of Safe Routes to School. How do we best ensure all types of walkers, riders, and rollers are provided access through Safe Routes to School?

Please join us on June 19th at10-11 AM PST | 1 -2 PM EST as we discuss language, policy, and practice that engages students of all ability levels in your program. Come ready to learn about resources available to support practitioners working towards the inclusion of students with disabilities in Safe Routes to School.

Speakers:

Chris Mackey, Information Specialist, National Center for Physical Activity and Disability
John Waterman, Executive Director, Programs to Educate All Cyclists
Sara Mazze, Safe Routes to School Program Manager, Transportation Department Eugene School District 4J
Register for the Webinar

Making Strides 2018: A Look at Our State Report Cards
Join this webinar to learn about the Safe Routes Partnership's updated state report cards and report, Making Strides: 2018 State Report Cards on Support for Walking, Bicycling, and Active Kids and Communities.

On this webinar you will learn more about the report cards, the changes we have seen since our last state report cards in 2016 and how you can use them to inspire action that creates places supportive of healthy, active children and communities. Staff from the Safe Routes Partnership will walk through the report cards and delve into the core topic areas and indicators.

Speakers:

Michelle Lieberman, Senior Technical Assistance Manager, Safe Routes Partnership
Andy Pasillas, Field Services Manager, Safe Routes Partnership
Margo Pedroso, Deputy Director, Safe Routes Partnership
Sara Zimmerman, Program and Policy Director, Safe Routes Partnership
Register for the Webinar

Community Is Key in Thriving Central Alabama Safe Routes to School Program
The United Way of Central Alabama has been hard at work helping schools and communities find new Safe Routes to School funding opportunities, and institutionalizing the program within city budgets. They have also seen the importance of uniting initiatives to enhance their collective impact, and in finding short-term wins as they work toward longer goals. The best part is community members in Central Alabama have really bought into Safe Routes to School efforts! Learn More.

Safe Routes to School Entwined in the Fiber of School Experience in Los Angeles
After a resolution was adopted by the Board of Education formalizing a set of tasks, roles, and responsibilities for the district and city staff, channels of communication opened between stakeholders (transportation, schools, grassroots advocates, and health) enabling schools to achieve academic benchmarks AND safety improvements. Los Angeles' Safe Routes to School program is thriving. They can check the box on a robust and community-engaged planning process, and have built a name recognition of Safe Routes to School and the goals and objectives of the program. Learn More.

Equity Resources to Enhance Safe Routes to School in Your Community
Low-income, urban residents are more likely to experience busy streets, poor pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and threats from crime and violence, while low-income, rural communities often lack sidewalks and may see high-speed state highways bisecting their communities. This report, and its accompanying factsheets explores the complexities of equitable active transportation and the issues that arise at the junction of efforts to advance walking and bicycling and work to increase health, fairness, and opportunity for low-income communities and communities of color. Read the report.