Safe Routes to School

Georgia Walk to School Day

Join us Wednesday, March 3, 2010 as Decatur walks and bikes to school in the morning and afternoon. For more information please contact Gregory White at 404-377-0494 or visit decaturactivelivng.blogspot.com for more details.

Safe Routes to School  (SRTS)is a national program that empowers communities to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and routine activity.  Program goals are to get more students and adults active to help improve fitness levels, to reduce congestion around schools, and to improve air quality around schools.  Decatur has had an active SRTS program for several years.  Beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, the Decatur Active Living division will take on the management and development of Decatur’s program.

David Junger during the SRTS Audit on Wednesday, September 30.	Dr. Scott, principal at Clairemont stressing the importance of a new cross walk.

Highlights

• Funding. Federal SRTS funds are made available to communities for a wide variety of programs and projects to improve safety and encourage walking and biking.  Georgia’s share of SRTS funds is approximately $16 million statewide.
• Decatur Program. SRTS began in Decatur when Clairemont Elementary and Glennwood Academy were selected by Georgia DOT to participate in a pilot program.  In 2007 SRTS expanded into Winnona Park and Oakhurst.
• Local Support. Parents and student surveys indicate widespread support for the program.  The City of Decatur and City Schools of Decatur are also strong supporters.
• Benefits.  A successful SRTS program benefits children in several ways.  When routes are safe, walking or cycling to and from school is an easy way to get the regular physical activity children need for good health.  Studies have shown that physically active kids have fewer chronic health problems, improved mood and concentrations, a stronger self image, and more self confidence.

Essential Components of a Safe Routes to School Program
• Community Interest and Involvement
• Data Collection
• Safe Routes to School Plan
• “5 E’s”-Engineering, Enforcement, Education, Encouragement Activities and  Evaluations

Successful SRTS programs have used a comprehensive “5E” approach to addressing changes:
1)Engineering,  focusing on infrastructure improvements around the school that support walking and bicycling.
2) Enforcement, focusing on legal enforcement of traffic laws as well as school policies that support walking and bicycling.
3) Education, focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety training of children and adults in the school community.
4) Encouragement, focusing on fun, educational, and motivational activities and events that promote safe walking and bicycling.
5)Evaluation, incorporating on-going information-gathering, review and analysis each step of the way.

Georgia’s SRTS Program
In 2005, Congress passed federal legislation that established a national Safe Routes to School program. The program dedicates a total of $612 million toward SRTS nationwide from 2005-2009. The Georgia Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program was created in 2006 by the Georgia Department of Transportation in coordination with the Georgia SRTS Advisory Committee. The program provides funds to communities throughout Georgia to improve the ability of primary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely. For more information contact
Kelechi Nwosu, State Safe Routes to Schools Coordinator at 404- 631-1775 or knwosu@dot.ga.gov.    

Benefits to Communities
• SRTS bring together local government and local school systems as partners to improve the quality of life in communities.
• SRTS provides an additional vehicle for families- including students to be directly involved in transportation issues.
• In addition, with more families out walking and bicycling, neighborhoods can develop a greater sense of community.

SRTS Contacts

Abby Mattera (Metro Atlanta)
Abby_mattera@urscorp.com
1.877.GDOT.W2S
Safe Routes to School Georgia
www.saferoutesga.com

Dan Magee, Director
Decatur Active Living
  404-377-0494  

Gregory White, Assistant Director
Decatur  Active Living
  404-377-0494  

Clairemont  Elementary  School
Neil Norton
nilo@mindspring.com

Glennwood  Elementary School
Beth Thompson
thompson.beth@yahoo.com

Oakhurst Elementary School
Patricia Moncure
patricia.moncure@estellenet.com

Winnona Park Elementary School
Leslie Stuart
Leslie@thestaurtsdecatur.com

Golden Shoe Awards

Decatur's Safe Routes to School won the PEDS Golden Shoe Award on November 5 as the Pedestrian Friendly School Environment.