A: A successful Safe Routes to School program eliminates many of the dangers such as traffic volumes and speed, dangerous intersections and routes, and "stranger danger". This can be accomplished in many ways. This includes separating auto and school bus drop-off and pick-up locations, law enforcement or volunteers reminding drivers to slow down, and pedestrian stings.

As for dangerous intersections and routes, parents, kids, school and city staff can work together to improve intersections and routes. By having kids bike and walk to school, there are many more eyes and ears on the street watching out for each other. In many communities parents take turns biking and walking with the students, which further increases safety.

Numerous studies have shown that children that walk or bike to school will be safer and healthier. There are numerous reasons for this and there are some examples below:

• Many children are injured by motor vehicles and it is the leading cause of death for 2-18 year olds—Thousands are killed each year in the U.S. Many of these injuries happen near schools and can be reduced significantly by providing increased safety near schools.
• More than 3.8 million people are affected by asthma in the U.S. Rates have increased throughout the population over the last 40 years and automobile exhaust is a major source. Safe routes programs provide exercise that is an important activity for reducing and controlling asthma, while such programs also reduce auto exhaust.
• Lack of physical activity is linked to a rise in diabetes and Type II Diabetes is being seen in children for the first time. SR2S programs provide a way for children to get more exercise.

There are other benefits to SR2S programs, including eliminating inefficient and unnecessary driving. In some communities 25-40% of peak hour traffic is school-related trips by parents. It also allows children to become more comfortable with and knowledgeable with their surroundings and helps to strengthen communities and neighborhoods..

A: In 1999 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveyed 749 U.S. households and found the four top concerns (the top barriers for children ages 5 to 18 walking to school) and their percent response to be:

Long distances	55%
Traffic danger	40%
Adverse weather	24%
Fear of crime danger	18%

Long distance is sometimes a perception based on how car-oriented we have become. Depending on their age, most students can bike or walk 1 to 1-1/2 miles each way to school and don't have to do it everyday. If parents are uncomfortable with that distance or the family lives further away than that, several options are available. One is to have students dropped off at a safe distance and let them bike or walk the rest of the way. Many communities have parks near schools where parents can safely drop students off or walk to school with them.

Traffic danger can be minimized or avoided. A successful Safe Routes to School program eliminates many of the dangers such as traffic volumes and speed, dangerous intersections and routes, and "stranger danger". This can be accomplished in many ways. This includes separating auto and school bus drop-off and pick-up locations, law enforcement or volunteers reminding drivers to slow down, and pedestrian stings. As for dangerous intersections and routes, parents, kids, school and city staff can work together to improve intersections and routes. By having kids bike and walk to school, there are many more e yes and ears on the street watching out for each other. In many communities parents take turns biking and walking with the students, which further increases safety.

Adverse weather is an interesting response. The weather hasn't changed that much since a generation ago when so many more children biked/walked. It's possible that "weather" as a barrier is really just reflective of changed social norms in contemporary America, where people are accustomed to driving an automobile for almost every trip. That makes it very easy to forego walking and to jump in the car at the first sign of cold or rain or heat.

Fear of crime danger. While it is a real fear, the statistics show that the probability of crimes against juveniles is very low. Kidnapping is less than 2 percent of all violent crimes against juveniles and only 4 percent of all kidnappings occur in school vicinities. There are about 100 "stereotypical" kidnappings a year and 3,200 non-family abductions in the country. Again, more eyes and ears on the street are a great strategy.

A: The relationship is a natural one. The Bicycle Alliance advocates for bicyclists and a bike-friendly Washington. We work at the local, regional, state, and federal level on behalf of bicyclists. We strongly believe that bicycles are an excellent transportation choice, particularly for children that have the proper riding skills and knowledge. Safe routes to school provides an opportunity to work with parents, kids, schools, and communities to increase the number of people bicycling safer and more often. If people ride their bike as kids, they are more likely to as adults. For those not ready to ride or that choose not to, safe routes to school also examines and proposes ways to improve the pedestrian environment. Our success as an advocacy organization puts us in an excellent position to be statewide safe routes to school leaders.

A: Currently, the Bicycle Alliance does not have funding to provide directly to schools. We are, however, available to help with a variety of resources, which are usually free (see What We Offer page). Please contact us for specific information and to discuss ideas. In the past we have been able to provide mini-grants (see mini grant success stories for more information).

You can also find links to other funding sources on our Funding page. We are always looking for ways to provide funding for safe routes to school projects and will announce opportunities on this web site, so check periodically or give us a call.

One way you can help make funding available is by purchasing a "Share the Road" license plate available at your local Department of Licensing office. The sale of each one of these specialty plates provides $28.00 to the Bicycle Alliance, some of which will go towards mini grants for safe routes to school projects. For more information, see Share the Road FAQ's.

A: In Washington State, bicycles are considered vehicles under the law. All bicyclists and pedestrians are expected to understand and obey the current laws and "Rules of the Road". Here are some links about state and local laws:

A: Wearing a helmet is always a good idea and can significantly reduce injuries and death. Many jurisdictions have helmet laws so to learn more, check out More info on Helmets

A: Quantify the change in many different areas:

• Behavior of kids
  • More children bike/walk
  • Improved biking and walking skills
• Behavior of drivers
  • Fewer children dropped off/picked up.
  • Slower vehicles driven less aggressively.
• Community facilities
  • More and better designed bike lanes and sidewalks
  • Better designed intersections.
• Crashes/injuries
  • Fewer crashes and injuries
  • Fewer conflicts (near misses)
• Community buy-in
  • Greater variety of people involved.
  • High level of commitment and energy.
  • Increased parent enthusiasm and involvement.
• Environmental Quality
  • Reduced air/noise pollution in school area.
  • Less land devoted to parking/drop-off areas.

A: Safe and Active Routes to School Contributes to Safe and Healthy Communities by:

• Protecting children from traffic death and injuries.
• Bringing children better health.
• Eliminating inefficient and unnecessary driving.
• Strengthening neighborhoods.