​Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a national and international movement to create safe, con­venient, and healthy opportunities for students to walk and bicycle to school. 

The program encourages students to walk, bike, and roll to school, helping to reverse an alarming decrease in students' physical activity and an associated increase in obesity and other health condi­tions. By getting more students to walk and bicycle to school, communities can also reduce fuel con­sumption, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve air quality. SRTS programs are built on collaborative partnerships among many stakeholders, including educators, parents, students, elected officials, engineers, planners, business and community leaders, health officials, and bicycle and pedestrian advocates. 

The SRTS program has funding for in­frastructure improvements, safety ed­ucation, and incentives to encourage walking and bicycling. 

What is the difference between non-infrastructure and infrastructure SRTS projects?

Non-infrastructure projects do not involve physical improvements to the transportation structures but instead serve to increase awareness and encourage safe use of existing or future facilities. Specifically, non-infrastructure support involves development, implementation, or expansion of pro­grams that educate, promote equity, encourage, engage, and evaluate safe routes to school. For SRTS non-infra­structure projects, PennDOT will fund the activities (such as a bicycle rodeo, educational assembly, safety outreach program, etc.) or items (e.g., crossing guard equipment, encouragement, or safety items). The project sponsor must pay for all activity planning, coordination, and development.

Infrastructure projects involve physical additions or improvement of existing transportation facili­ties in and around a school. Traditionally, such improvements include sidewalks, bike lanes, cross­walks, signs and signals, although smaller improvements such as bike racks or bike lockers will qualify too.

Important Dates

• May 24: Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) Webinar, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• May 30: Application Round Opens
• July 21: Draft Application Deadline at 4:00 p.m.
• September 15: Final Application Deadline at 4:00 p.m.

Learn more about the Federal Safe Routes to School program.