Communities across the state can apply for a new round of project and program funds that increase safety for students walking and biking to school.

WSDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program was created to provide children a safe, healthy alternative to being driven to school. The program supports projects that increase the number of children walking and biking to school where it is safe and works to improve safety along school routes.

The program also supports safety projects such as walking school buses, sidewalk and bike lane construction, pedestrian safety education, bicycle safety skills classes, crossing guards, and installation of speed feedback signs and traffic safety cameras.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is accepting project proposals for the Safe Routes to School Program through May 4. Eligible projects are those within two miles of primary and middle schools, kindergarten through eighth grade.

Review criteria for the applications are based on proposed engineering solutions, education and enforcement efforts, project readiness and need or potential benefit.

More detailed information about the program and the application process is available on WSDOT’s website at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/SafeRoutes/CallForProjects.

In addition to the Safe Routes to School funding program, WSDOT’s Highways and Local Programs is working to increase safety for student pedestrians and bicyclists by:·

- Working with schools to develop school walk route plans.
- Providing information about walking and biking to the public.
- Researching bicycle and pedestrian issues.
- Providing design assistance to local communities to improve safety for biking and walking.
- Conducting bicycle and pedestrian related trainings and workshops.