Safe Routes to School Handbook

How to use the Handbook:

This resource presents a menu of options that are based on what’s been shown to increase the number of students who walk and bicycle and how often they do it. The choice of activities depends on a school’s location and a community’s priorities. There is no need to sit down and read the handbook cover to cover; instead, jump into the sections that resonate with your school and community’s circumstances and interests. For example, if there are safety concerns that need to be addressed before students are encouraged to walk to school, then those activities should come first. Many communities find that they start with one activity like Walk to School Day and quickly learn that enthusiastic parents and students are asking for more.

And in case you need a little more inspiration to get started or to build interest among other key partners, the Section 1: Overview includes research-based infographics that others have found compelling in deciding to get involved in promoting walking and biking. If you want a detailed roadmap of how to build a comprehensive safe routes to school program, this section also includes seven steps to use.

Hopefully the information provided in this handbook will inspire action where you live. The kind of action that can improve safety, health and choices for how people of all ages travel around your community.

We thank you for your interest in improving the health and safety of our youth.

— North Carolina Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Project