Local Government Commission

Funds for California Cities to Enhance School Access

 

The "Safe Routes to Schools" fact sheet outlines how cities and school districts are working together for safer routes to school. It also outlines the many benefits of children walking or bicycling to school. Fact Sheet. [PDF, 490 KB]

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Millions of dollars in federal and state transportation funds are increasingly opening up for bicycle and pedestrian projects. Established in 1999, the "Safe Routes to School" bill in California specifically provides $25 million a year for Safe Routes to Schools projects through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The bill is scheduled to sunset on January 1, 2005. More information on the bill is available through the Caltrans Office of Local Programs at 916-653-4727, by e-mail at Local.Programs@dot.ca.gov.

Where Can I Go for More Information?

Also see our "Transportation Tools to Improve Children's Health and Mobility" fact sheet.

California Department of Health Services.
State public health agency with staff dedicated to active communities programs, safe routes to school projects, and Walk to School day. Contact: 877-4-SAFE-RT or http://www.dhs.ca.gov/.

Surface Transportation Policy Project.
National nonprofit advocacy organization based in Washington DC with offices in Sacramento, the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Excellent source of information for transportation funding opportunities, regional planning initiatives and local groups throughout California involved in transportation reform initiatives. Contact 213-629-2043 or 415-956-7795 or visit http://www.transact.org/.

California Bicycle Coalition.
Statewide membership-based organization which mobilizes local bicycle advocacy coalitions for legislative campaigns to make California more bicycle-friendly. Contact 916-446-7558 or visit http://www.calbike.org.

Rails to Trails Conservancy.
National nonprofit advocacy organization with a California field office in the Bay Area. Lots of detailed information on developing bicycle and pedestrian trails, particularly from abandoned railroad right-of-ways. Contact 415-397-2220 or visit http://www.railtrails.org.