Safe Routes to School

Title
Safe Routes to School

Over 40 people from 5 schools attended the Safe Routes to School Workshop on February 2, 2010!   Resources from that event are posted at the bottom of this page.

SRTS is a rising international effort to increase safety and promote walking and bicycling to school through the 5Es: engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation."

During the past two to three decades, there has been an incredible rise in obesity and physical inactivity in children and adults. The impact on health and health-care costs is high and will continue to rise dramatically. In 1969, roughly half of all children walked or biked to school. Now, it is about 15 percent. For school trips less than one mile, 29 percent walk or bike.

There is a strong correlation between communities with good bicycle and pedestrian environments, and having more active residents. Air quality and traffic congestion around schools has also become an issue.

Six Northeast Iowa school communities have been targeted to promote safe ways for children to walk and bike to school in their respective community. This will be an initial step to promote physical activity for youth and families to benefit their health and the health of their communities.

Participating communities are Riceville, Ossian, Valley of Elgin, Elkader, New Hampton and Waukon.


Expectations for a SRTS pilot school:

  • Form a school/community SRTS Team
  • Attend the SRTS Regional Workshops
  • Review SRTS Assessment
  • Participate in monthly FFI County Planning Team meetings
  • Create a plan to promote safe ways for children to walk and or bike to and from their school
  • Collect data Spring and Fall (# of children walking /biking to school)
  • Submit mini-grant reports by September 1, 2010.

Resources:

Resources from SRTS Workshop, 2/2/10:

Other Resources for Schools:
Action for Healthy Kids
Review and download tools to help you create healthier kids and schools. Use the search function to access programs, guides, toolkits, lesson plans and curricula on childhood obesity prevention and improving nutrition, physical education and activity and school wellness from Action for Healthy Kids and our partners.


Healthier US School Challenge
The Healthier US School Challenge (HUSSC) was established to recognize schools that are creating healthier school environments through their promotion of good nutrition and physical activity. Four levels of superior performance are awarded: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold of Distinction.