Safe Routes to School is a program that makes it easier, safer and more fun to walk and bike to school. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) refers to a variety of multidisciplinary programs aimed at increasing the number of students walking and bicycling to school, and improving traffic safety around school areas. Safe Routes to School programs typically involve partnerships among municipalities, school districts, community members, parent volunteers, and law enforcement agencies. The County of Mendocino is developing a Safe Routes to School Plan for schools in the unincorporated areas of the County. This site will share information about what’s happening with the plan and provide information and resources for Safe Routes to School.
The Safe Routes to School plan will make recommendations for five complementary strategies that help to support children walking to school, referred to as the “Five Es”. View the DRAFT Mendocino County Safe Routes to School Plan
For more information about the Mendocino County Safe Routes to School Plan contact:
Alicia Meier , Mendocino County Department of Transportation, Mendocino County at (707) 463-4352
Dana Dickman with Alta Planning + Design at (503) 575-2764
The 5 E's of Safe Routes to School:
Engineering Design, implementation and maintenance of signing, striping, and infrastructure improvements designed to improve the safety of people walking, bicycling, and driving along school routes.
Crosswalks, curb extensions, and signage are all examples of engineering solutions
Education Educational programs teach students bicycle, pedestrian and traffic safety skills, and teach drivers how to share the road safely. Educational programs can be taught in school assemblies or outside at Bicycle & Pedestrian Rodeos. Educational efforts can also take the form of awareness campaigns and posters for drivers near schools.
Education not only improves student safety, but it also makes students feel more comfortable with walking & biking
Encouragement Similar to education, Encouragement activities spark interest in both parents and students for walking and biking to school. Special events, clubs, contests and ongoing activities that encourage more walking, bicycling, or carpooling through fun and incentives.
Students and parents can participate together in a walking school bus on International Walk to School Day
Enforcement Ranging from police presence, to crossing guard training, to parent volunteer valets, there are many Enforcement strategies to deter the unsafe behavior of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians and encourage all road users to obey traffic laws and share the road.
A well trained crossing guard makes sure both drivers and students behave in a safe, legal fashion
Evaluation Evaluating the projects and programs of each of the other four the “E’s” described above helps to determine which programs are most effective and identify ways to improve programs.
Evaluation helps to track progress and determine what works, and what doesn’t. This process helps to build a stronger Safe Routes program each year.