SRTS Topics

Transportation Programs

SRTS History

The term “Safe Routes to School” (SRTS) was first used in Denmark in the late 1970s as part of a successful initiative to reduce the number of children killed while walking and bicycling to school. SRTS spread internationally, with programs springing up throughout Europe and in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. In Marin County, California, a pilot program was developed with great success and is now one of the foremost leaders in the SRTS movement. The State of California, through Caltrans began funding SRTS programs and the federal government then followed their lead. In 2005, Congress appropriated funds under the transportation bill (SAFETEA-LU) specifically to support and encourage the development of SRTS programs nationwide.

The 5 E’s

The Safe Routes to School movement is premised on a holistic approach to increasing the number of children walking and bicycling through the Five E’s: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Encouragement and Evaluation. Engineering deals with the built environment and projects that work to create safer places to walk or bike. Education programs teach students safety skills for walking and bicycling and inform parents and other drivers how to drive more safely around pedestrians and bicyclists. Enforcement programs work to improve driver behavior through increased awareness and compliance with laws which protect vulnerable users on the streets (slower speeds, yielding to pedestrians, passing at a safe distance, etc.) Encouragement strategies, such as events, contests and rewards, generate interest and provide exposure to the benefits and fun of using active transportation. Evaluation refers to the importance of measuring the impact of SRTS activities in order to gauge their effectiveness. Thus best practices can be developed and shared and any needed modifications can be identified and implemented.

Federal and State Safe Routes to School Programs

There are two distinct Safe Routes to School programs at work in California. One is the state-legislated program, abbreviated as SR2S, and the other is the Federal Program, abbreviated as SRTS. Both are administered by Caltrans. While both programs aim to increase the number of children walking and bicycling to school through the 5 E’s , they differ in several respects. One of the biggest differences is that the State program prioritizes infrastructure projects (adding sidewalks, bike paths and lanes, etc.) whereas the Federal program funds both stand-alone infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects.

Program Contact

Jeanne LePage

Program Specialist, Transportation Group
Phone: 831-426-5925 x144
Fax: 831-423-3895
Email