This guide offers practical tools for adult facilitators to support middle school students in the promotion of safe walking, bicycling, and public transit use to and from school. Student-led campaigns can generate enthusiasm and improve the social conditions for a Safe Routes to School program!
As your youth group develops into a cohesive team of leaders taking on new skills, they will plan events and activities to engage their peers in safely walking and bicycling to school. The three main objectives of the Guide are as follows:
- Increase awareness of the Safe Routes to School program among California middle school students, teachers, adult facilitators, and partners.
- Provide practical tools, resources, and strategic activities to support student leadership in the implementation of the Safe Routes to School program in middle schools.
- Engage middle school student leaders in planning and hosting activities that will increase the number of students safely walking and bicycling to school while contributing to more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly policies within schools and communities.
Primarily, the Guide is designed to aid adult facilitators in leading a Safe Routes to School student leadership project as a part of an after-school program. However, it can be adapted to a student leadership club or classroom project during school hours.
