What is "Safe Routes to School"?

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is a new Federal funding program that provides $612M nationwide to: "(1) enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school; (2) make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and (3) facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools."

However, Safe Routes to School is not a new concept. Safe Routes to School started as a grass roots organization in Denmark in the 1970s as an effort to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities. Within 10 years, school-related traffic injuries and fatalities were reduced by over 80%. Today more than 40 Countries participate in Safe Routes to School activities.

Safe Routes to School not only encourages exercise but it also adds an environmental awareness component. By reducing the number of children being dropped off at schools there will be a reduction in traffic congestion and emissions which can make a large impact in some communities.

For more information, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org.

What is the Focus of the La Crosse Safe Routes to School Plan?

The City of La Crosse is working to develop a plan that will not only encourage biking and walking for all school children within a two-mile radius of their school, but also encouraging community support and awareness about safety issues. All schools in the City of La Crosse, both public and private, are being evaluated for walk-ability/bike-ability and this inventory will be used to make suggestions for needed improvements. An educational component will ensure that students, teachers, administrators, and parents are aware of the Safe Routes to School purpose and efforts.

In March of 2007, the City of La Crosse will apply for Federal Safe Routes to School Dollars for infrastructure improvements as well as funding for education.

What has been Accomplished in La Crosse?

• The Kick-off: Walk to School Day event held at Franklin School, 10/18/06
• Safe Routes to School workshop held at Franklin School, 11/10/06
• Safe Routes to School workshop held at Spence School, 11/11/06
  The two workshops held in November were part of a national pilot project with the National Center for Bicycling & Walking and the University of Oregon
• Traffic safety inventory work completed for all schools in La Crosse (elementary, middle and high school, public and private schools)
• Photo-visioning exercises were held at Franklin Elementary, Three Rivers School, and Emerson Elementary on 01/11/07

Interested in Getting Involved?

Your opportunity to see what has been accomplished so far and to offer input is coming up! The City of La Crosse hopes that you can attend the Community Workshop that is being held at the La Crosse Center on February 15, 2007. This is an Open House Style Workshop--please stop in anytime between 4:00PM - 8:00PM.

More Information

• Safe Routes to School Plan
• Highlights of SRTS Plan
• Additions of SRTS Plan