All Safe Routes to School initiatives should begin by listening to students, families, teachers, and school leaders and working with existing community organization, and build intentional, ongoing engagement opportunities into the program structure.

Engineering

This strategy focuses on increased operational and physical improvements around a school to reduce vehicle speeds; improve safety and accessibility; and reduce bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle conflicts. Improvements can include the following: crossings, sidewalks, walkways, trails, bicycle parking and traffic calming devices (e.g. curb extensions, bicycle facilities, etc.).

Evaluation

Periodically evaluating SRTS strategies are key to making sure the programs are working to improve safety and encourage more walking and bicycling.

Equity

Ensuring that Safe Routes to School initiatives are benefiting all demographic groups, with particular attention to ensuring safe, healthy, and fair outcomes for students with disabilities, low-income students, Native American students, students of color, female students, LGBTQ students, students whose families speak a language other than English, homeless students, and other demographic groups.