Promoting safe, active travel for students across the Cedar Valley!
Safe Route to School (SRTS) aims to increase physical activity and create safer walking and bicycling opportunities for youth and their caregivers. Because each community, school, and family is unique, SRTS coordinators can provide guidance to take the next step (or roll) in the right direction.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recognizes SRTS initiatives as effective countermeasures for behavior change and injury prevention. These initiatives align with the goals set out by the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Active People, Healthy Nation℠ focused on increasing physical activity and community health.
Education and Encouragement Programs
- Bike and Pedestrian Safety Presentation – In class instruction with engaging activities to learn road safety and healthy habits for life.
- Walking and/or Biking School Bus or Clubs – A fun, supervised way for students to travel to school. Students learn to navigate and explore their community using active forms of transportation. Several volunteers are needed for the greatest success.
- Bike Rodeos – Skill-building stations to learn rules of the road, balance, scanning, traffic signs, hand signals, and more. Several volunteers are needed for the greatest success.
- Walk, Bike & Roll to School Days – Events to boost participation, raise awareness, and celebrate active travel and physical activity.
- Guest Reader – Many wonderful stories have been written about learning how to ride a bike and all the adventures one can take on foot.
- Traffic Gardens – Similar to bike rodeos but set up for several days at a time. A come-and-go self-guided experience for children and families to be physically active and learn the rules of the road.
- Youth and Family Rides – What better way to learn and practice new skills, exercise, and have fun meeting new people sharing connections?
- Book Library – Borrow themed books with related STEM activity guides to add to your lessons and activities.
Engagement and Evaluation Programs
- Community and School Resource Fairs – Safety trivia and refreshments with the bike blender.
- School Travel Assessment – Assist with traffic and pedestrian safety issues in and around school zones. Working with boards to create active transportation policies and well-being programs.
- Community Coalitions – Supporting advocates at all levels for health, wellness, and safety measures that impact our youth and the future of our communities using a combination of SRTS initiatives.
We can help!
Let us help you promote safe biking and walking in your community by customizing a program or event!
Safe Routes to School Coordinator
Brenda Vavroch