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Check out the Parent Chat section of the SB Parent website! There is a new SR2S forum. Click here to join the discussion.

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Safe Routes to School Program Overview

Did you walk or bike to school when you were a child?

Thirty years ago, more than 66% of all children walked to school. Today, only 13% of American children walk or bike to school. Many parents cite safety concerns as the main challenge in biking or walking to school.

COAST’s successful program, Safe Routes to School (SR2S), focuses on traffic problems associated with access to schools. SR2S is a popular program spreading across Canada and the US designed to decrease traffic and pollution and improve the health of children and the community. The program promotes walking and biking to school through education and incentives that show how much fun it can be. SR2S also addresses the safety concerns of parents by encouraging greater enforcement of traffic laws, educating the public, and exploring ways to create safer streets.

COAST coordinates the efforts of 20 agency and community partners, including the Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition, the PTA Safety Committee, various government and law enforcement agencies, Traffic Solutions and the Diabetes Resource Center. SR2S has developed a school zone safety assessment, safety videos, and an education and safety-training program. SR2S also distributes low-cost bicycle helmets (free to low-income children).

Safe Routes to School integrates health, fitness, traffic relief, environmental awareness and safety under one program. It is an opportunity to work closely with your school, your community and your local government to create a healthy lifestyle for children and a safer and cleaner environment for everyone.

If you would like to be a Safe Routes to School “Champion” and lead your school’s program, please  go to our Champions’ Page.

To see examples of Walk&Roll challenges in our area, go to Walk&Roll Challenges.

Also, please check out this site: www.walk-roll.org. (Opens a new window)