Safe Routes to School Program Making Progress

The County Department of Transportation’s (MCDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is successfully reducing pedestrian collisions at schools targeted by the program.

SRTS is funded through grants from the Maryland Highway Safety office, and a two-year grant that funded education activities at six County schools recently concluded.  Under the effort, the Safe Routes to School coordinator created walking route maps for students and conducted presentations on safe walking and biking behavior. MCDOT installed or replaced school zone signs; remarked or installed crosswalks and constructed new sidewalks. Enforcement activities conducted by County Police included monitoring speeds in front of schools and reinforcing safe pick up and drop off procedures with parents.

The Safe Routes to School coordinator also plans International Walk to School Day events. In 2010, the main event was hosted at East Silver Spring Elementary School where over 200 students, parents and faculty were joined by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood. The event has grown each year, with 47 schools participating in 2012.

For more information, visit the County’s pedestrian safety website.