Safe Routes to Schools

What is Safe Routes to School? Safe Routes to School programs all share one common goal – to improve the health of kids and the community by making walking and bicycling to school safer, easier, and more enjoyable.  

Who does it involve? Parents, children, community members, school staff, traffic engineers, city planners, law enforcement officers, community leaders, and many others.

What do they do? They assess the safety of travel routes, propose changes such as building sidewalks and paths, educate students and drivers about safe travel, and encourage walking and bicycling to school.  

Safe Routes to School funding may be used within two miles of K-8 schools for the following purposes:

• Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements
• Bicycle and pedestrian facilities
• Community assessments of walking and bicycling facilities and programs
• Public awareness campaigns and outreach
• Development of community actions plans
• Traffic education and enforcement
• Student sessions on bicycle and pedestrian safety, health, and the environment
• Safe Routes to School training
• Tracking and performance monitoring

For additional information on Safe Routes to School:

• Call 1-877-935-SAFE (7233)
• E-mail Montana’s Safe Routes to School coordinator at jessicab-hmhb@qwestoffice.net.
• Visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School at www.saferoutes.org
• Check out the Montana Department of Transportation’s home page on Montana’s Safe Routes to School program at www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/saferoutes.

2007 Safe Routes to School Application downloads and instructions:
PDF link (198KB) – Word link (579KB)

Mail Completed Applications to:
Safe Routes to School Coordinator
c/o Rail, Transit & Planning Division
Montana Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 201001
Helena, MT 59620-1001
Application Deadline: December 31, 2007

Important Dates