The Safe Routes to School Program Reauthorization Act of 2009

The Safe Routes to School Program Reauthorization Act (S. 1156), is a Senate bill to reauthorize and improve the successful Safe Routes to School program.

The bill would triple funding for SRTS to meet the high demand and need for the program; expand eligibility to include high schools and for bus stop safety; improve project delivery and reduce overhead by addressing regulatory burdens; and add a research and evaluation component.

America Bikes endorses the Safe Routes to School Program Reauthorization Act.

Safe Routes to School funds infrastructure improvements (such as sidewalks, pathways, bike lanes, and safe crossings) and education, law enforcement, and promotion campaigns to make it safer and more common for children to walk and bicycle to and from school in all 50 states.

The program has far-reaching implications for helping communities address childhood obesity and physical inactivity, traffic safety and congestion, and air quality.  In addition, with our difficult economic times, school districts that are cutting bus service are relying on Safe Routes to School to address safety concerns for the increased numbers of children walking and bicycling.

For more information, visit the Safe Routes to School Partnership.

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