Starting a Safe Routes to School Program
Starting a Safe Routes to School program is a powerful way to help students and families stay healthy, safe, and feel more connected to one another. Whether you're just beginning or ready to take your program to the next level, we’ve got you covered with clear steps and easy-to-use resources.
Getting Started is Easier Than You Think
- Find your partners: Connect with school staff, families, community members, and local organizations. A team makes it easier and more fun.
- Start small: One event like Walk to School Day, Bike to School Day, or a simple walk audit can spark lasting change.
- Use our resources: We’ve got what you need to get going and grow your program with confidence.
- Join the Safe Routes to School Google Group to connect, share ideas, and learn from others in the Safe Routes community.
Building Blocks: A Guide to Starting and Growing a Safe Routes to School Program
Learn how to build school and city support, grow your program over time, and understand the context behind Safe Routes to School.
The Six E's of Safe Routes to School
Explore the foundational framework - Engagement, Education, Encouragement, Engineering, Equity, and Evaluation - and discover practical tools for each element.
Step By Step: How to Start a Walking School Bus At Your School
This toolkit walks you through planning and launching a walking school bus - a fun, adult-supervised way for students to travel together on foot.
Available in Spanish: Paso a paso: Cómo Empezar un Autobús Caminante Escolar en Su Escuela
The Wheels on the Bike Go Round and Round
Ready to roll? A bike train works just like a walking school bus, but on wheels. This guide helps you set up a safe, supervised bike route to/from school.
Bike & Roll Day Toolkit: A step-by-step guide for planning a fun, successful Bike & Roll to School Day celebration.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day: Held every November 14th, this day honors the legacy of civil rights icon Ruby Bridges. Celebrate with a walk to school and age-appropriate activities focused on activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying.
Let’s Go for a Walk: A Toolkit for Planning and Conducting a Walk Audit: This guide gives you everything you need to lead a community walk audit and identify ways to improve walking conditions around your school
- Bike, Walk, Roll: Engaging Students with Disabilities with Safe Routes Programs
- Teaming Up on Road Safety: Actionable Guidance for Integrating Safe Routes to School and Vision Zero Programs
- Engineering Solutions Guide for Safe Routes to School
- Building Blocks Toolkit: A Guide to Starting and Growing a Strong Safe Routes to School Program
- Keep Calm and Carry On to School: Improving Arrival and Dismissal for Walking and Biking
- Walking, Riding, and Rolling for a New Generation: How to Partner with Youth on Safe Routes Projects
- Supporting Safety and Sparking Joy Through Community Partnerships
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer for Governors and State Agency Leaders
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer for Local Elected Officials
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer for Municipal Transportation Departments
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer for Regional Governments
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer for School Boards, Superintendents, and Principals
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer for Student Transportation Departments
- Safe Routes to School: A Regional Government Primer for Practitioners
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer to Understanding the Role of Local Elected Officials
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer to Understanding the Role of the Municipal Transportation Department
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer to Understanding the Role of the Student Transportation Department
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer to Understanding the Role of the Governors and State Agency Leaders
- Safe Routes to School: A Primer to Understanding the Role of School Boards, Superintendents, and Principals
