Safe Routes to School expenses for infrastructure and non- together, they identify any barriers to safe What is it? infrastructure projects. walking and biking and then find solutions. This comprehensive approach focuses on Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a both community organizing and physical nationwide effort encouraging children infrastructure improvements. It uses a in kindergarten through eighth grade, planning concept known as the “5 Es” including those with disabilities, to safely walk or ride bikes to school.  Evaluation The N.H. Department of Transportation  Education (NHDOT) is participating with support  Encouragement from the Federal Highway Administration  Enforcement under the Federal Transportation Bill,  Engineering known as SAFETEA-LU. Students in a “walking school bus” approach the School Financial reimbursement Street School in Lebanon. NHDOT supports community efforts by The advantages of SRTS are clear. Children offering three choices of reimbursement who gain an appreciation of walking and funding. The task force determines which bicycling are more likely to remain active type of is grant appropriate, based on local and physically fit into adulthood. conditions. Encouraging children to walk or pedal will also reduce traffic congestion around 1. Startup grants of less than $5,000 to schools and contribute to clean air and a assist communities with initial planning and healthier environment. non-infrastructure programs 2. Travel plan grants of up to $15,000 per A state and local partnership school for more detailed planning 3. General grants for comprehensive Dr. Susan Lynch, New Hampshire’s first lady, leads a group of students to Kimball School in Concord. (Concord SRTS The state SRTS coordinator and Regional infrastructure and/or non-infrastructure photo. Other photos: NHDOT) Planning Commissions (RPCs) collaborate programs. with local task forces made up of school, Our state has been allocated $1 million per municipal and regional leaders, parents, year for five years, most of which will be students, and community groups. Working used to reimburse 100 percent of local Taking action For more information In this cooperative effort, task force members will tailor a local program based The coordinator of the N.H. Safe Routes to School on community needs and interest. is: Safe Routes to Possibilities include: John W. Corrigan School N.H. Department of Transportation  Surveying parents and students to Bureau of Planning and Community Assistance determine their current choices and 7 Hazen Drive Physical fitness attitudes toward walking and Concord, NH 03301 bicycling (603) 271-1980 E-mail: [email protected] Reduced traffic congestion  Mapping existing and potential safe routes from residential Visit our Web site: Clean air neighborhoods to school http://www.nh.gov/dot/  Developing a travel plan Enter “SRTS” in the “search this site” box or go directly to A fun way to get to school!  Teaching children safe practices for http://www.nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/p walking and riding lanning/srts/index.htm  Sponsoring events that will show Youngsters walk to the New Searles Elementary School in community support for walking and Nashua. bicycling  Coordinating with police to increase enforcement of traffic laws  Identifying and constructing needed physical improvements, including sidewalks, signs, crosswalks, bike paths and routes, trails, etc.  Conducting follow-up surveys to see if attitudes and behaviors have changed

Volunteers conduct a walkability audit on the Tiger Trail in Farmington.