Safe Routes to School
Statewide
• Walk to School Day
• Student Travel Tally Week
• Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
• Bike to School Day
• Grant Opportunities
• Resource Library
• Marketing Toolkit
• Zone In, Not Out
• Other Links / Partners
Welcome to Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS). Click here to read a welcome letter from Virginia's Safe Routes to School Coordinator.
If you’re new to SRTS, be sure to check out this program brochure for some quick facts about Virginia Safe Routes to School.
The SRTS program has been active in Virginia since 2007 and helps schools and communities make walking and biking to school a safe, convenient, natural activity.
Program News
December 18 - Get Ready for Crossing Guard Appreciation Day!
Many of us have missed seeing our beloved crossing guards every day, and that's all the more reason to celebrate Crossing Guard Appreciation Day next February. The official day is on February 10, but celebrate on the day that works best for your community. Crossing guards do much more than simply help students to cross the street. They help to create a walking and biking culture that is safe and fun. Students are able to get more physical activity, socialize with their friends, feel a sense of independence, and spend time outside in their community.
Thank your crossing guard for their outstanding service with a thank you card, or say a socially-distanced "Thank you!" in person if your crossing guard is working. Contrary to past years, there will not be a state-wide Most Outstanding Crossing Guard award in 2021. This year, all crossing guards are the most outstanding!
December 1 - Thank you for participating in the 2020 Parent and Caregiver Survey!
The results of the Fall 2020 Parent and Caregiver Survey are in! We received over 3,100 responses from parents and caregivers across Virginia. Thanks to all who participated, including our 10 cash card winners! The survey results show an overall decrease in physical activity during the pandemic, but an increase in bicycling. They also suggest that many parents would support their children walking and bicycling to school if certain changes could be made. Interested in seeing the full summary report? Click here.
Program Purpose
Shrevewood Elementary School’s Healthy Living Festival, Falls Church VA
The SRTS Program is federally funded, created under Section 1404 of the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
The purpose of SRTS is to:
- Enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school
- Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age
- Facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution near schools
In July 2013, MAP-21 (the new federal transportation bill) became law, folding SRTS into a new Transportation Alternatives program. SRTS projects are now eligible to compete for funding alongside other programs, including the Transportation Enhancements program and Recreational Trails program. VDOT’s Local Assistance Division manages the Transportation Alternatives program. More information >>
Non-infrastructure funding from SAFETEA-LU is still available through SRTS. For more information, please visit the Travel Plans and Grants landing page.
SRTS Strategic Plan
The Virginia SRTS Program completed a strategic plan to guide our work through 2017. Click on the cover at the right.
Contact
Katherine Graham
SRTS Coordinator
Transportation and Mobility Planning Division
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 E. Broad St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
katherine.graham@vdot.virginia.gov
Phone: 804-786-4198
Fax: 804-225-4785
TTY: 711
