The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia

Transcription

1 The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia Makes bicycling better through advocacy and education by promoting biking as a healthy, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly form of transportation and recreation.

2 3 Seasons of Bicycle Ambassadors:

3 Federal Legislation established Safe Routes to School in 2005 The National Highway Association administers the programs and funding Funds can be used for both infrastructure projects and non-infrastructure activities The legislation also requires each state to have a Safe Routes to School Coordinator to serve as a central point of contact for the state

4 Safe Routes to School, 5 E s Education Encouragement Engineering Enforcement Evaluation

5 Why is Safe Routes to School important?

6 1969: 48 percent of K-8 th students usually walked or bicycled to school. 2009: 13 percent of K-8 th students usually walked or bicycled to school.

7 PA Safe Routes to School State Coordinator: Chris Metka

8 State Resources Non-infastructure Grants (SRP helped secure $40,000 in grant monies for seven schools this year) Walk to School Day Kits (available now through August) Walkability Audits (SRP helped secure 4 school audits in 2012 and 9 school audits in 2013) Teacher Trainings Crossing Guard Trainings Curriculum (3 rd and 6 th grade focus)

9 Safe Routes Philly Youth Safety Education Program of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, promotes biking and walking as fun, healthy forms of transportation in Philadelphia Elementary Schools.

10 What does Safe Routes Philly do?

11 What does Safe Routes Philly do?

12 What does Safe Routes Philly do?

13 Accomplishments 132 Elementary Schools have taught Safe Routes Philly lessons Over 50,000 k-6 grade students have received pedestrian and bicycle safety 20 safety assemblies reaching 4,000 students 250 Bicycle Racks installed Helped facilitate 5 Walk to School days in and 17 schools in

14 Year 3 Initiatives & the Future Get Active Schools Encouragement Policy Sustainability Focus effort on schools along Safe Streets, Healthy Neighborhoods Safe Corridors Walkability Audits Mapping

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16 Barriers/Challenges to SRTS Philadelphia Parent Focus Group Results Traffic Crime/Stranger Danger Infrastructure Urban versus Suburban issues Policy

17 What aspect of Safe Routes to School needs the most support in your community? What are the biggest opportunities for walking and bicycling to school (partnerships, physical assets, etc.?) What are the biggest barriers to walking and bicycling to school in your community?

18 What Can You Do? 1. Advocate for School Curriculum 2. Build a Broad Network of Allies 3. Grassroots Encouragement Activities 4. Adapt School Environment and Rules 5. Improve Infrastructure 6. Raise money

19 Advocate for School Curriculum

20 Build a Broad Network of Allies School Administrators: Principal and Superintendent School Staff: Teachers, Nurse, Counselors Parents: Build a team to help you! Community Organizations: Start with groups that focus on health, safety, or the environment. Local/ County Health Departments Law Enforcement and Crossing Guards Hospitals especially those with trauma centers

21 Grassroots Encouragement Activities

22 Adapt School Environment and Rules School Handbook Suggestions Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Lessons (name of school) is committed to teaching the Safe Routes Philly state standard aligned lessons for pedestrian and bicycle safety each academic year. Active Transportation to school: (name of school) encourages students to walk (or bike) to school, if able. Walking to school decreases traffic congestion, stimulates brain activity and promotes a healthy lifestyle. *Note: If your school handbook currently has a section on safety or transportation these suggestions should be inserted accordingly. Otherwise, we suggest creating a separate section for Safe Routes to School.

23 Improve Infrastructure Apply for a Walkability Audit through the PA Safe Routes Resource Center Work with your local Transportation Management Association Help raise money to install bike racks Use your Partnerships!

24 Raise Money PA Safe Routes to School Resource Center Infrastructure and Non-infrastructure grants National Center for Safe Routes to School Grants 25, $1,000 mini grants Investigate Corporate funding Loews, Home Deport, Walmart, etc.

25 Thanks! Diana Owens Steif Director of Education & Safety