What Is "Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS)"
The Illinois SRTS is a Federally Funded Program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The purposes of the SRTS program are:
- To enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school;
- To make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and
- To facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity (within 2 miles) of both public and private primary and middle schools (grades K-8).
History of Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is not a new concept. Safe Routes to School started as a grass roots organization in Denmark in the 1970’s as an effort to reduce the number of traffic-related fatalities. Within 10 years, school-related traffic injuries and fatalities were reduced by over 80%. Today more than 40 Countries participate in Safe Routes to School activities.
Safe Routes to School not only encourages exercise but it also adds an environmental awareness component. By reducing the number of children being dropped off at schools there will be a reduction in traffic congestion and emissions which can make a large impact in some communities.