Safe Routes to School Program
TENNESSEE - SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL TRAINING

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federally funded program focusing on the benefits of children walking and biking to school. Its primary purpose is to encourage elementary and middle school children to safely walk and bike to and from school thereby promoting a healthier lifestyle, reducing traffic congestion and minimizing air pollution.

Congress provided SRTS funding to states through the federal surface transportation bill, the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for Federal fiscal years 2005 – 2009. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) will receive a total of $10.8 million for the SRTS program from the Federal Highway Administration. Eligible recipients include state, local, and regional agencies including non-profit organizations. Projects or activities are 100% federally funded; no match is permitted.

SRTS projects are popular all over the country. A successful program integrates health, fitness, traffic relief, environmental awareness, and safety under one program. The program provides an opportunity to work closely with schools, the community, and local government to create a healthy lifestyle for children and a safer, cleaner environment for everyone.

Safe Routes to School Workshops are being held across the state to aid in understanding the Safe Routes to School Program. Part of the training will include a field review of a specific host school that will provide attendees with the knowledge to properly assess their own school’s program. The workshop consists of an explanation of the application, the selection criteria, and expectations of selected programs. It is important that participants dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for the field review assessment.

Please note that it is required that a representative of the applicant (school employee or city/county staff) attend a workshop. If a representative has already attended a workshop during the prior year cycle, they are not required to attend again. However, the representative should be aware that program revisions have been made. The training is free and open to the public. To register, fax or email the attached training registration form (MS Word).

In 2008, TDOT received 37 applications with a value of $7.1million in improvements. The applications represented a good mix of educational activities, major projects such as sidewalk segments and shared-use paths and minor improvements such as sign packages, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals. View a complete listing of 2008 award recipients.

Applications for 2009 will be accepted through March 27, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. (CST). Applications must be submitted by local governments (cities or counties). Program Guidelines and Application will be available here by December 15, 2008. For questions, contact tdot.saferoutestoschool@state.tn.us or the program coordinator, Diana Benedict at 615-253-2421.

Now is the time to get involved and walk/bike our children to better health - for everyone.