Safe Routes to School is a Federally funded program that encourages children to walk and bicycle to school through programming and infrastructure improvements. Safe Routes to School programming aims to improve safety conditions of routes to school and encourage more children and families to walk or bicycle to school. The Safe Routes to School program is a key component of the Town’s “Vision Zero” initiative– the Town’s strategy to increase the safety of people getting around town using various modes of transportation. The Town of Chapel Hill is committed to improving connectivity and safety for everyone walking, biking, and rolling. Safe Routes to School is a collaborative program that brings together community members, teachers and school staff, public health practitioners, planners, and others to change norms in how we move around our communities.

Key Benefits to Safe Routes to School

• Biking and walking to and from school can be an easy and enjoyable way for kids to stay active and build confidence.
• Safe Routes to School programs address traffic dangers and improve safety for kids.
• Walking and biking can be a tool to support youth mental health and improve community safety.

Walk to School Day is Oct 9, 2024

 Learn more

• National Center for Safe Routes to School
• Safe Routes Partnership
• Vision Zero for Youth
• NCDOT Safe Routes to School Program

Bike Bus information 

• Bike Bus World
• Exploring Bike Bus Programs in the United States
• Building Momentum for Youth Biking: Bike Buses, Bike Trains, and Bike & Roll to School Day

Traffic Garden information 

• Discover Traffic Gardens
• Seattle Traffic Garden Handbook
• Traffic Garden Guide

Get Involved

Want to know more?  Email Alyson West, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at awest@townofchapelhill.org