In 2008, the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) launched the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program in partnership with Solano County Public Health. This initiative was developed in response to rising concerns about increased childhood obesity, air pollution, and traffic congestion around schools. Over the years, the SR2S program has collaborated with city planners, traffic engineers, law enforcement, educators, and parents to address these issues.
The number of children who walk or bike to school in the U.S. has steadily decreased over the last 50 years. Concurrently, communities, including those in Solano County, have experienced increases in traffic around schools, air pollution, and childhood obesity. To combat these problems, the STA established a Solano Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee alongside the SR2S program. This program promotes active transportation by offering schools free educational programs and events that encourage safe walking and biking to school. Additionally, the program provides technical assistance and support to help schools start and sustain walking and biking initiatives.
By fostering a culture of active transportation, the SR2S program aims not only to increase students’ physical activity but also to reduce the dependence on cars for commuting to and from school, thereby creating safer, less congested routes for students.
In 2019, the Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Microgrant Pilot Program was launched in Solano County to enhance bike and pedestrian safety around schools through small-scale projects and capital purchases. The program, funded with Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA 3) funds, recently completed its third cycle, with applications accepted from December 22nd, 2023, to February 2nd, 2024.
During this period, Solano County cities, schools, districts, community organizations, and stakeholders were informed about Cycle 3 through various channels including the SR2S website, emails, social media, and stakeholder meetings. A total of twelve applications were submitted by the deadline.
After evaluation, the Solano Transportation Authority’s (STA) Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Program would like to congratulate the following applicants for being awarded Micro Grant Cycle 3 funds:
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The Solano Safe Routes to School (SR2S) program encourages children to safely walk or bike to school and supports this effort with free, fun and educational events and programs at schools, and provides safety information and public outreach at community events. The program works with schools, police, public health staff, city traffic engineers and other community members to improve traffic safety and the health and well-being of Solano County youth. STA completed and adopted a SR2S Plan in 2008 and another countywide plan was completed and adopted in 2013. STA Staff is currently engaging communities in each city in preparation for the current Plan update.
The 2023 Safe Routes to School Plan update is intended to guide continued investments in safety projects around schools, programmatic needs to encourage active transportation within the school community, and addresses Ped and Bike Safety for students and families.
The Plan is anticipated to be completed by Fall 2024.
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