Safe Routes to School
Program basics
- Federal program promoting walking and biking as modes of transportation to school
- Administered by local government, school districts, and metropolitan planning organizations
- Aims to increase active transportation and physical activity for improved health outcomes
- Aims to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety and reduce emissions and vehicle miles traveled
Strength of evidence
Evidence level: Proven (highest tier)
?
Proven (highest tier)
Ranked as having the highest level of evidence by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps
Target population
Community-wide
Program cost
Not available
Implementation locations
- Nationwide
Dates active
1990s-present
Outcomes and impact
- Increases physical activity for students
- Improves safety (reduces bullying, exposure to gang violence, and sexual assault/attacks)
- Reduces motor vehicle-related injuries and fatalities
- Reduces transportation's contribution to air pollution
Keys to successful implementation
- Note: This content is under review
- Identify partners, including those already working on community safety and violence prevention and explore collaboration.
- Gather qualitative and quantitative data to understand the local realities around crime, violence, and fear.
- Work with community members to identify priorities and strategies.
- Violence and crime prevention efforts rooted in community engagement are more likely to be successful.