Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School Policy Framework
Background: Fewer children walk and/or bicycle to school today than in the past. This is a situation that can and should be changed both for the health and fitness of the children, and the ancillary environmental benefits of reducing traffic around schools.
Vision: The Santa Barbara School District supports the Safe Routes to Schools Program and will be an active partner in promoting walking and bicycling to school, and improving traffic safety around school areas. Our children are our future: Their health, and the health of the planet they will live in are the inspiration for this program.
Goal 1: Reduce car traffic
Action steps:
- Designate SR2S coordinator for each site
- Form a SR2S task force for each site
- Develop travel reduction plan
- Offer carpooling match lists
- Post bus routes and schedules
- Regulate student parking (e.g. charge fees, tie to performance)
- Promote walking and biking (see goal 3)
Goal 2: Create safer environment
Action steps:
- Use school channels to promote safe driving among parents
- Work with government to improve key routes to school
- Use parent volunteers to instill safe behavior in the school zone
- Provide safety training for children
- Promote group walking and biking
- Recruit street representatives to address specific issues
- Work with law enforcement to ensure regular presence
Goal 3: Promote walking and biking among students
Action steps:
- Participate in event days
- Participate in incentive programs such as Walk on Wednesdays (WOW)
- Include SR2S information in the Back to School packet and orientation events
- Work with student leadership and clubs to educate about transportation choices
Goal 4: Educate parents and students
Action steps:
- Incorporate information about the health benefits and environmental impacts of transportation choices into health or science curriculum
- Incorporate bicycle safety education into PE curriculum
- Involve student clubs and leadership classes in planning SR2S activities
Assessment
Conduct semi-annual student mobility surveys
