Safe Routes To School (SR2S)

Here outlined are our most current local, state, and national resources addressing the SR2S Program. Also provided below are a number of the historical documents and sources of information outlining Chittenden County's pilot program.

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Announcements Local Motion currently manages the Safe Routes to School Program for Chittenden County. View the Vermont Agency of Transportation - Safe Routes to School Program details. The National Center for Safe Routes to School. Check out the Safe Routes to School E-News a monthly email newsletter published by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, a fast-growing network of non-profit organizations, government agencies and professional groups that are working to set goals, share best practices, secure funding, and provide detailed policy input to implementing agencies for advancing the Safe Routes to School national movement... In August 2007 the Vermont Chapter of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) sponsored a series of webinars on Safe Routes to School. Click here for more information on the locations and topic areas. More details on information covered at the webinars is available at the National ITE Website. View photos of Gov. Douglas's Walk To School Day ~ 2005. View the documentation for Chittenden County's SR2S Pilot Program.

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Safe Routes To School Program Background ~

Societal trends over the past few decades offer compelling reasons for healthier transportation choices. Nationwide, in one generation, the number of children walking or bicycling to school has dropped from over 70% to less than 20% and the total number of walking and bicycling trips made by children has fallen by 65%. Today, more than two thirds of all trips made by 5-15 year olds are made as car passengers.

Obesity rates among children and the general population have risen sharply over the last fifteen years - the results of poor diet and a lack of physical activity. The costs have not only been to personal well-being but to society as a whole. Obesity related illnesses in Vermont result in estimated medical expenditures of $141 million per year.

In recent years, all across the country, people representing diverse interests have been joining together to advocate for Safe Routes to School (SR2S for short) realizing that these programs can address a variety of public policy goals. The increased physical activity of walking to school contributes to lower rates of childhood obesity. Fewer cars dropping off and picking up students reduces school zone congestion and vehicle exhaust. More physically active students perform better academically. Fewer vehicles in the school zone reduce the likelihood of pedestrian crashes. Essentially, SR2S programs are designed to help reverse current negative health and transportation trends by changing the transportation habits of school children and their parents.

A diverse group of stakeholders in Chittenden County, led by the CCMPO, has been working to put this program together. The stakeholder list includes the American Heart Association, Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, the Vermont Forum on Sprawl, the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Department of Education, the Champlain Initiative of the United Way, Local Motion, the Vermont Agency of Transportation, and the Burlington Department of Public Works.

This pilot program at Hinesburg Community School, Camel's Hump Middle School, & CP Smith Elementary School lasted two school years laying the foundation to establish a statewide program in 2006. For 2006, CCMPO has contracted with Local Motion to run SR2S programs in seven Chittenden County School Districts.

For more information, contact Peter Keating, 802.660.4071 x14

LINKS:
Safe Routes Links: Chittenden County - Safe Routes To School Program National Center for Safe Routes To School FHWA - Safe Routes To School VTrans - Safe Routes To School
Related Links: International Walk to School Week/USA Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center CDC - "KidsWalk-To-School" Program International Walk to School Week National Center For Biking & Walking Christchurch City Council - Safe Routes To School (N.Z.)