REPORT TO BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Improvements to Safe Routes to School Program (Shariat)
Report
BACKGROUND
In July 2024, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) Member Kratz requested BPAC discuss improvements to the Safe Routes to School Program (Attachment 1).
Since 2011, the City has completed two phases of the Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS Program), which encourages students to walk, bike, or scooter to and from school through various educational activities. The City is currently in the third phase of the SRTS Program, with the non-profit organization Safe Moves assisting in its administration. The Program is facilitated through a collaborative effort with the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD), which includes classroom education, after school skills training, encouragement activities and events, and the creation of maps.
DISCUSSION
There are currently 17 schools participating in Phase 3 of the SRTS Program: 14 elementary schools and three middle schools. As part of the program, there are various education and encouragement activities and events held at all the participating schools. Educational classroom assemblies teach students the basic skills necessary to safely walk and bike to school. Encouragement events such as bicycle and pedestrian rodeos guide children through obstacle courses by way of bike or on foot, allowing them to apply what they learned in the classroom. A majority of these events occur during school hours and thus, high school students or other young adults may not be available during these times. In addition, schools are very cautious and strict about who is permitted on campus during these events. However, volunteers can be recruited to assist with encouragement events held during City events, such as the Art and Wine Festival.
It is also recommended by Member Kratz that bicycle safety inspection and maintenance classes should be included at SRTS Program events. These type...
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