Federal Safe Routes To School

In the summer of 2005, the program received a major boost when Congress funded a program in every state in the legislation entitled Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act-Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

Prior to this national effort, Safe Routes programs varied in size and activity type from community to community. However, programs were united in their goal to, “improve the health of kids and the community by making walking and bicycling to school safer, easier and more enjoyable." (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center).

SAFETEA-LU provides “multi-year funding for the surface transportation programs that guide spending of federal gas tax revenue. Section 1404 of this legislation provides funding (for the first time) for State Departments of Transportation to create and administer SRTS programs which allow communities to compete for funding for local SRTS projects” (FHWA). Connecticut has had programs in many schools and towns, but this new funding will allow ConnDOT to play a formal role to partner with communities and the private sector to see Safe Routes programs become more widespread throughout the State.

The Federal Highway Administration has summarized the goals of the legislated and funded program in the following way: funds to the States will be used to substantially improve the ability of primary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely. The purposes of the program are:

1. To enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school
2. To 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. To 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 (approximately 2 miles) of primary and middle schools (Grades K-8).