Walking or biking to school is a great way for students to start their day. Fresh air and exercise get the mind ready to learn! It’s also a good start to reaching the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity children need each day. Unfortunately, many barriers exist that make walking or biking to school a challenge: lack of sidewalks, no traffic signals or crossing guards, insufficient parental support, and equipment needs such as bike racks.
Our Safe Routes to School Coordinator works with Richmond Public Schools to encourage students to walk and bike safely to school. We promote safe behavior associated with non-motorized transportation through educational events, curriculum integration, and community engagement, while advocating for infrastructure improvements. While some of our city’s schools have adopted parts of the program over the years, the 2015-2016 school year was our first year having a district-wide presence. In the 2018-19 school year, we are working with seven (including six Title I schools) schools to implement this program. We continue to work towards expansion to support the entire district.
For additional resources on Safe Routes to School, visit the website for Virginia Department of Transportation.
To keep up-to-date on what we’re doing in the City of Richmond, visit our Facebook page Richmond City Safe Routes to School.
Interesting Fact: Forty years ago, 50% of children in America walked or bicycled to school, while today, fewer than 15% of children walk or bike to school.
To learn more about our Safe Routes to School initiative, email srts@grfit4kids.org.