According to the United States federal
government, in 1969 approximately half of all
students in the U.S. walked or bicycled to
school, and 87 percent of children who lived
within one mile of school came on foot or by
bicycle (Bureau of Transportation Statistics
1969). But by the year 2003 the situation had
changed, with only about 15 percent of U.S.
students making the trip to school under their
own power (Environmental Protection Agency
2003).
government, in 1969 approximately half of all
students in the U.S. walked or bicycled to
school, and 87 percent of children who lived
within one mile of school came on foot or by
bicycle (Bureau of Transportation Statistics
1969). But by the year 2003 the situation had
changed, with only about 15 percent of U.S.
students making the trip to school under their
own power (Environmental Protection Agency
2003).
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Safe Routes to Schools
the goal of the new Safe Routes To School (SRTS) initiative by the New Hampshire
Department of Transportation.
Kids driven even short distances to school reflect a national trend toward sedentary
lifestyles, childhood obesity, and increased traffic congestion and air pollution. SRTS will
address concerns about traffic safety, crime and bullying that may make private vehicles
appear to be the safest way to get children to school.
The NHDOT is currently organizing partnerships with schools, cities and towns,
Regional Planning Commissions, and advocacy groups. A preliminary survey will help
communities identify the reasons so few kids walk or ride bikes to school. After analyzing the
survey results, local “task forces” will be encouraged to develop creative solutions tailored to
individual schools or groups of schools.
Safe Routes To Schools is designed for children in kindergarten through eighth grade,
including those with disabilities, who live within approximately two miles of their school.
Solutions under this flexible program can include safety education, escort programs such as
the “walking school bus,” increased law enforcement around schools, and sidewalk and bike
path construction and improvements.
Federal funding is available to assist schools and communities implement the
program. After the local planning task forces are formed, the NHDOT anticipates inviting
local project applications in late May 2007.
WORKING FOR “SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS” IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHY AREN’T MORE KIDS WALKING OR RIDING BIKES?
the goal of the new Safe Routes To School (SRTS) initiative by the New Hampshire
Department of Transportation.
Kids driven even short distances to school reflect a national trend toward sedentary
lifestyles, childhood obesity, and increased traffic congestion and air pollution. SRTS will
address concerns about traffic safety, crime and bullying that may make private vehicles
appear to be the safest way to get children to school.
The NHDOT is currently organizing partnerships with schools, cities and towns,
Regional Planning Commissions, and advocacy groups. A preliminary survey will help
communities identify the reasons so few kids walk or ride bikes to school. After analyzing the
survey results, local “task forces” will be encouraged to develop creative solutions tailored to
individual schools or groups of schools.
Safe Routes To Schools is designed for children in kindergarten through eighth grade,
including those with disabilities, who live within approximately two miles of their school.
Solutions under this flexible program can include safety education, escort programs such as
the “walking school bus,” increased law enforcement around schools, and sidewalk and bike
path construction and improvements.
Federal funding is available to assist schools and communities implement the
program. After the local planning task forces are formed, the NHDOT anticipates inviting
local project applications in late May 2007.
WORKING FOR “SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS” IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHY AREN’T MORE KIDS WALKING OR RIDING BIKES?