Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS): Sacramento Region

Civic Theard works to implement Safe Routes to School programming at schools across the Sacramento Region as the leading Safe Routes to School expert.  Our work has supported over 100 local schools across 7 counties and has secured $8,500,000 in infrastructure improvements, thanks to Safe Routes to School programming.

As Safe Routes to School facilitators, we provide comprehensive programming to k-12 schools, co-create Safe Routes to School master plans, and provide technical assistance to school districts, agency partners and local jurisdictions.

Safe Routes to School is an internationally recognized program dedicated to providing safer routes for students to walk and bike to school. Research has shown that students who walk or bike to school get more daily physical activity, have lower rates of obesity and improves students self-confidence and academic performance. The more students and families who can walk and bike to school safely, results to less reliance on motor vehicles, safer neighborhoods, cleaner air, and greater transportation freedom. By creating, safer, healthier, more sustainable communities, Safe Routes to School programs not only benefit individuals, but are critical to meeting our state, regional, and local goals around health, air quality, and economic development. Safe Routes to School Programming has been successfully implemented across the U.S. and globally. Every Safe Routes to School program aims to meet the core goals or “6Es” of Safe Routes to School.

Equity	Encouragement	Engineering
Equity concerns of safe, active, and healthy opportunities for children and adults in disadvantaged communities are integrated and addressed through the first 5Es to make SRTS programs safe, accessible, and successful.	Holding school wide events help provide motivation to establishing programs long term. Bike to School Day and Walk to School Day events support a broader initiative for community-wide support for SRTS	Community assessments in road infrastructure around schools help identify needed improvements to support SRTS programs.
Engagement	Education	Evaluation
The first step in launching a SRTS program is engaging the community to help develop a SRTS program that is community specific. Engagement happens throughout each phase of the project to ensure community and student voices are prioritized.	Multi-disciplinary programs are a key focus of SRTS. Kids are not only encouraged to walk and bike outside of school but learn valuable lessons and tactics in the classroom as well.	Evaluation methods are critical to identifying the needs for establishing a Safe Routes to School program and long-term success.