Safe Routes to School programs are proven to increase the number of students who bike and walk to school, increasing the amount of physical activity children participate in and getting them ready to learn each day.

We are thrilled that the Safe Routes program is continuing in Colorado. In September, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Commission voted to prioritize $2.5 million each year for this incredibly important program.

How can I apply for funding for a Safe Routes program at my school?

Yesterday, CDOT posted grant applications for projects to begin in fall 2016. Applications are due on January 8, 2016, and with many holidays falling between now and then we encourage you to begin the application process now.

There are two types of projects that are eligible for Safe Routes funding for students in kindergarten through 8th grade, infrastructure and non-infrastructure.

Non-infrastructure projects

Education, encouragement and enforcement projects are all non-infrastructure projects. Examples* of eligible non-infrastructure projects include:

• teaching safe walking and biking to students
• “train the trainer” programs that train adults to teach safe walking and biking to students
• bike rodeos that teach students and parents bike safety
• developing a walking school bus or bike train program

Infrastructure projects

Examples* of eligible infrastructure projects include:

• installing bike parking
• implementing traffic calming measures
• painting bike lanes and/or crosswalks
• installing sidewalks and/or bike paths

*Keep in mind that these are just examples of eligible projects.

Get started today!

The non-infrastructure and infrastructure grant applications are available now on CDOT’s website, along with examples of high-scoring applications from previous years.

The Colorado Safe Routes program manager will be hosting training sessions throughout the state in mid-November for those interested in applying. Email dot_srts@state.co.us if you would like to attend a training.

If you would like to discuss ideas for a project or discuss how Bicycle Colorado could help with implementation, give us a call at 303-417-1544 or send an email to jenna@bicyclecolorado.org.