Learn more about MAP-21 and Safe Routes to School

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Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs across the nation are providing children the opportunity to participate in physical activity, by walking to school, while also reducing vehicular emissions, and relieving cities of traffic congestion.

The SRTS program was originally introduced as a Federal-Aid program of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) created by Section 1404 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users Act (SAFETEA-LU) in 2005.

With the passage of MAP-21, as of October 2012, federal funds  specifically appropriated towards the SRTS program were no longer available to states. Despite this change in federal law, states can still develop SRTS programs and seek support from the MAP-21’s new transportation alternatives fund.

Additional Links and Resources:

“National Center and ITE Introduce SRTS Resources for Engineers and Planners”- Engineers and city planners now have a new resource to help navigate their efforts in developing SRTS. This resource provides insight to an audience critical to the development of SRTS.

“Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Renews Funding for Safe Routes to School National Partnership”

2012 Marks Record Levels of Participation in Walk to School Programs- October is National Walk to School Month. In 2012, record participation levels in walk to school programs were reached, as children from 4,281 schools got involved.

Funding for SRTS Varies by State- To receive federal funding, traffic education and enforcement activities must take place within approximately two miles of a primary or middle school (grades K–8). A description of SRTS activities eligible for funding are mentioned here.

Map Summarizing Crosscountry SRTS Awards- This map lists the location that received SRTS funds, as well as the year and total amount in funds received by a school or community.

Online Training for Walking School Bus Programs Announced- Safe Routes to School announces online training for Walking School Bus Programs.

The Legislation Which Created SRTS –Read the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) of 2005, sponsored by Rep. Donald “Don” Young (R-AK), which is the legislation that created funding for Safe Routes to School Programs.

View Contact Information for SRTS Programs by State- At the national SRTS website, one can view state information, in order to begin the process of developing or implementing SRTS policies in one’s community. Learn how much federal funding has been leveraged by state and about who to contact to support SRTS programs.