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Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a national program that encourages walking and biking to school for grades K-8 through funding infrastructure improvements, enforcement, tools, safety education, and other incentives.
H-GAC is designated by the State of Texas as the region’s MPO for transportation planning and serves Safe Routes to School efforts in the following eight counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller Counties.
SRTS programs within the eight –county region, across the state, and the nation, have improved safety and increased active transportation for students focusing on the 6 E’s of SRTS – Engagement, Equity, Engineering, Encouragement, Education, and Evaluation. The resources below provide information for funding opportunities with the state and tools and resources to create or enhance a program at your school.
Safe Routes to School Funding Opportunities
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Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) administers SRTS funds for locally sponsored infrastructure projects that facilitate walking and biking to school. Projects may be located anywhere in the state as long as they are within two miles of K-8 schools.
Safe Routes to School Program Resources
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Below you will find links to national, state, and local resources for Safe Routes to School planning, resources, event materials, and rationale behind Safe Routes to School as it relates to active transportation and health.
National
Features rules and regulations regarding safe routes funding and programming.
Features information on the importance of active transportation and health with best practices and statistics.
Features resources and tools available to support implementation of SRTS programs, as well as contact information for each state’s SRTS coordinator.
Highlights SRTS goals and shares best practices to leverage infrastructure and program funding as well as advancing policy change that supports the implantation of Safe Routes to School programs.
A back to school guide for 2020 highlighting challenges for walking and biking events during COVID.
Resources and information on hosting and signing up to join National Walk & Bike to School Day events.
State
Resources and information on SRTS funding and how to apply for your school.
Local
Communities through our region are implementing Safe Routes to School programs. Below are links to local programs and initiatives aimed at making our school zones more walkable.
Walking and Biking Resources
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Communities through our region are enhancing their pedestrian and bicycle networks. Below are links to local programs and initiatives aimed at making our region more walkable and bikeable, including local mapping programs.
Find links to local programs and initiatives aimed at making our region more walkable and bikeable, including local mapping programs.
An overview of what’s planned for walking and biking in our region.
An overview of helpful walking and biking links to maps, resources, and more.
An overview of regionally focused walking and biking publications.
The mission of the Harris County Built Environment Unit is to promote health and wellness through environments where individuals live, learn, work, worship, and play in Harris County, Texas.
Developed by the Built Environment Unit to serve as a guide for organizations, planners, public officials and public health practitioners to gain knowledge and understanding of Health Impact Assessment and rapid Health Impact Reviews (HIR). The team can provide expertise and guidance on initiating HIAs or HIRs in your community or project plans.
How do I apply? Link to Houston Public Works Sidewalk Program which constructs new sidewalks and ramps along streets leading to schools, major thoroughfares and improves accessibility for people with disabilities.