Safe Routes Partnership E-News
Issue #207: November 2023
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!
- Welcome Safe Routes Partnership's New Consulting and Program Support Director, Dave Cowan!
- Applications are Due Nov. 21 for the 2024 Safe Routes to Parks Colorado Activating Communities Program
- No FY24 Budget & (Another) Possible Government Shutdown – What Does it Mean for Walking, Bicycling, and Safe Routes to School?
- New Resource - Addressing School Closures and Consolidations: A Guide for Safe Routes to School Practitioners
- Celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
- Award Opportunity: 2024 Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award
1. Welcome Safe Routes Partnership's New Consulting and Program Support Director, Dave Cowan!
Did you hear? The Safe Routes Partnership is excited to welcome Dave Cowan as our new Consulting and Program Support Director. Having previously served as our Technical Assistance Manager from 2010 to 2014, Dave will return to the Safe Routes Partnership on November 20. Read the full announcement and join us in welcoming Dave to our team.
2. Applications are Due Nov. 21 for the 2024 Safe Routes to Parks Colorado Activating Communities Program
Calling all Colorado-based organizations working to improve safe, equitable access to local parks. Great news! You haven't missed your chance to be part of the 2024 Safe Routes to Parks Colorado Activating Communities program. Even if you couldn't make it to the information session, we've got you covered! You can catch the session recording and slides on our website to help you craft your application. Our program offers personalized technical support to four communities in the state, empowering them to create action-driven plans for safer, more accessible parks. Learn more and apply here.
3. No FY24 Budget & (Another) Possible Government Shutdown – What Does it Mean for Walking, Bicycling, and Safe Routes to School?
Wondering about the impact of recent Capitol Hill disruptions on transportation, walking, bicycling, and Safe Routes to School? Looking for federal funding for your transportation project? We’ve got you covered in our new federal policy blog. Explore what these developments in government mean for the future of active transportation and our commitment to transportation equity and opportunities for you to pursue funding.
4. New Resource - Addressing School Closures and Consolidations: A Guide for Safe Routes to School Practitioners
While school consolidation may seem like an efficient move for school districts, its consequences can be detrimental to students, families, and communities. In particular, student transportation is often overlooked, leading to longer commutes, heightened traffic congestion, and decreased student safety. Our new resource, Addressing School Closures and Consolidations: A Guide for Safe Routes to School Practitioners, equips educators, parents, caregivers, and community members with essential recommendations to ensure safe, convenient, and fun journeys for children as they walk and roll to and from school, even in the face of school consolidation challenges. Explore the resource here.
5. Celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
There's still time to register and sign up for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day on November 14. Take steps toward a brighter future by:
- Visiting the Ruby Bridges Foundation website
- Downloading the Event Guide and Resource Guide
- Connecting with your program partners - school, library, community organizations, and students
- Promoting your participation and encouraging others to sign up on social media
6. Award Opportunity: 2024 Vision Zero for Youth Leadership Award
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Vison Zero for Youth Leadership Award. This award seeks to recognize places in the United States that are making streets safer where youth walk and bike. Any city, county or local tribal government advancing child and youth pedestrian and bicycle safety, regardless of what the program is called, is encouraged to apply by December 16, 2023. The winner will be announced in Spring 2024. Places all over the country have taken concrete steps to make their communities safer for children. This call for nominations is an opportunity to learn about these successes and spotlight exceptional progress.
Now in its seventh year, the Vison Zero for Youth Leadership Award is given annually by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, in partnership with the FIA Foundation and the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. Learn more at www.visionzeroforyouth.org/awards/us.