Safe Routes to Schools Making a Difference

Many of us remember a time when walking and bicycling to school was a part of everyday life. Data from the Federal Highway Administration revealed that in 1969, about half of all students walked or bicycled to school.

Today, however, the story is very different. Nationally, fewer than 15 percent of all school trips are made by walking or bicycling, one-quarter are made on a school bus and more than half of all children arrive at school in private automobiles.

This decline in walking and bicycling has had an adverse effect on air quality around schools, as well as pedestrian and bicycling safety. Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gathered evidence that children who lead sedentary lifestyles are at risk for a variety of health problems such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

The purpose of the Federal Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Program is to address these issues head on. The SRTS Program empowers communities to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and routine activity once again.

The Pickerington Local Schools SRTS Committee was formed in 2006. It is a grassroots committee comprised of staff from the Pickerington Local School District, Violet Township, the City of Pickerington and residents from our community.

The local program goals are to address parents’ safety concerns, educate children and the public on walking and bicycling safely, partner with law enforcement, and develop plans to create safer streets.

The Pickerington SRTS committee has been instrumental in securing nearly $1.4 million in federal funding since 2008. The table to the right summarizes the funding received.

The grant funding has allowed for the construction of sidewalks within the Summerfield subdivision around Fairfield Elementary School and an asphalt walking path at Diley Middle School. Three other projects are in various stages of planning and design. These projects are near Violet Elementary School in the Chevington Village subdivision, along Long Road near Pickerington Elementary School and near Harmon Middle School along Harmon Road and within the Woodsfield subdivision.

Also, the local committee has sponsored several educational and safety events over the last five years, including Walking School Bus demonstrations, Walk to School with Police and Military Personnel Day and Bike to School Day. Additionally, the committee has produced and distributed flyers to students describing the health benefits of walking and bicycling to school.

During the 2012-2013 school year, bike helmets will be provided at no cost to all Pickerington Local School District students in grades five and six.

2008 $292,000 2009 $330,000 2010 $300,000 2011 $460,000