Safe Routes to School
Definition
Programs creating safe walking/cycling routes to schools through: infrastructure improvements (sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic calming), crossing guards, walking school buses, and bike/pedestrian safety education. Increases active transportation and safety.
Louisville Context
Most Louisville students driven to school—only 15% walk or bike despite 60% living within walking distance. Barriers: missing sidewalks, dangerous crossings, high-speed traffic near schools. Dave’s Safe Routes: infrastructure improvements within half-mile of schools (complete sidewalks, protected crosswalks, traffic calming), crossing guards at dangerous intersections, walking school bus programs organizing group walks, bike safety education.
Why It Matters
Daily exercise improves student health, attention, and academic performance. But dangerous routes force driving, contributing to traffic congestion and childhood obesity. Safe Routes enables active transportation, improving health while reducing traffic at schools.
Dave’s Proposal
Implement Safe Routes to School: infrastructure improvements within half-mile radius of schools (sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic calming), crossing guards, walking school bus programs, and bike safety education.