We are pleased to announce that the Safe Routes Partnership has received a grant from the District Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero Grants Program. We look forward to collaborating with DDOT, other District Agencies and local advocates to identify and address barriers to safe transportation.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced $20.3 million in grants to support improvements for bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity across the state, including $17.8 million in funding under the federal Transportation Alternatives Program.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced another round of Non-Infrastructure Safe Routes to School grants for 2018! This one-of-a-kind program in our region provides funding and support to the work of the local Safe Routes to School Coordinators throughout the state. The online application system will open on February 7, 2018, and the deadline for applications is March 23, 2018.

On November 8, 2017 the City of Alexandria released its Vision Zero Action Plan for public review and comment. The 58 action items outlined in the Plan layout the City’s concerted strategy to make streets safe for all users and achieve zero traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2028.

A Walking School Bus (WSB) is an effective way to increase the number of kids walking to school, address safety concerns, improve school attendance, and reduce air pollution - all while having fun!

Check out how Frederick Elementary School in Baltimore has developed a program that benefits not just the school, but the surrounding community.

Parents and volunteers play a vital role in Safe Routes to School initiatives as key sources of the time and energy necessary to successfully implement, support, and maintain programs. However, even some of the most successful programs can face challenges in the recruiting and retaining of parent champions and volunteers.

International Walk to School Day was held on October 4th, and once again, the students, parents, teachers, and communities in our region responded by participating in impressive numbers. According to the Walk & Bike to School Day website, there were over 460 Walk to School Day events in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia!

On Tuesday, February 28, 2017 30+ advocates and practitioners joined us at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to talk about all things Safe Routes to School in the Greater Washington, DC region!

The exciting lineup of speakers covered a wide range of issues from Washington D.C.’s universal bicycle education program, to regional funding opportunities, equity and public health initiatives, and much more!