From Bicycling Magazine to NPR's Talk of the Nation, the topic of Safe Routes to School is in the headings and creating a national conversation!

With May being National Bike Month, it has been the perfect time to be talking about riding and walking to school, alongside Andy Clarke of the League of American Bicyclists. I was as excited as any kid on their first walk to school when I saw the ABCs of Safe Routes to School in print. 

If you are already a champion of Safe Routes to School we hope this spotlight inspires you to continue making a difference. If you are new to the conversation, the Safe Routes Partnership's resources, know-how and networks can help you get started with the right information and tools; welcome to this amazing movement!!

Here are a few more facts and resources to help you keep the conversation going in your community:

• Safe Routes to School programs can increase walking and bicycling by as much as 200 percent and improve safety by 49 percent, and increased physical activity rates in children results in better cardiovascular fitness, including for those who actively commute to school. You can find more facts about Safe Routes to School here.
• Safe Routes to School champions quickly learn that Safe Routes to School are safe routes for everyone and that they are also promoting healthier and sustainable communities. From Complete Streets to joint use policies, you can find important information about policy change here.
• Understanding all aspects of Safe Routes to School is key and by truly understanding liability issues, schools, nonprofits and parent groups can help students reap the health and academic benefits of Safe Routes to School programs while minimizing any risks. These two fact sheets can help your school address liability concerns.
• The Safe Routes Partnership doesn't grant any federal dollars, but as a nonprofit we do lead the movement in advocating for a federal Safe Routes to School program and win the transportation dollars needed to build sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle paths, so that families can walk and ride safely to school. Like I used to when I was a kid! Join our cause and speak up for Safe Routes to School today.