OLYMPIA – Communities across the state can apply for a new round of project and
program funds that increase safety for students walking and biking to school.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is accepting project proposals
for the Safe Routes to School Program through May 4. Eligible projects are those
within two miles of primary and middle schools, kindergarten through eighth grade.
Review criteria for the applications are based on proposed engineering solutions,
education and enforcement efforts, project readiness and need or potential benefit.
WSDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program was created to provide children a safe, healthy
alternative to being driven to school. The program supports projects that increase
the number of children walking and biking to school where it is safe and works to
improve safety along school routes. The program also supports safety projects such
as walking school buses, sidewalk and bike lane construction, pedestrian safety
education, bicycle safety skills classes, crossing guards, and installation of speed
feedback signs and traffic safety cameras.
More detailed information about the program and the application process is available
on WSDOT’s website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/SafeRoutes/CallForProjects.
In addition to the Safe Routes to School funding program, WSDOT’s Highways and Local
Programs is working to increase safety for student pedestrians and bicyclists by:
- Working with schools to develop school walk route plans.
- Providing information about walking and biking to the public.
- Researching bicycle and pedestrian issues.
- Providing design assistance to local communities to improve safety for biking
and walking.
- Conducting bicycle and pedestrian related trainings and workshops.
Posted on February 3, 2012