TDM Toolbox

Mitigation Calculator

Subsector: School Programs
Active Transportation Infrastructure and Safe Routes to Schools
VMT Reduction Potential: 4
Cost: 4
ROI: 3
StanCOG Relevancy: 5
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School
Scale: Community, Site
Timing: Mid-term (3-10 years)
Implementors-Private: Educational Institutions
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies, School Districts, Transit Agencies
References: California Air Pollution Control Officers Association (2024), StanCOG Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety and Education Campaign Final Report, StanCOG Regional Active Transportation Master Plan, California Active Transportation Resource Center, California Active Transportation Program, Safe Routes Partnership

Description

Infrastructure improvements that improve the safety and security of active modes of transportation for youth aim to increase walking, biking, and “rolling” to schools, parks, and after-school activities. The implementation of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plans involves coordinating with local school districts to implement safety projects such as crossing guards, signage, bicycle and pedestrian facilities as well as incorporating messaging about the benefits of active transportation into school curricula.

Implementation Details

  • Coordinate with school districts and municipalities to identify schools with gaps in sidewalks, crossings, bicycle facilities, and connections to surrounding neighborhoods through a comprehensive Safe Routes to School plan.
  • Prioritize SRTS improvements within communities identified as disadvantaged or with documented pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns.
  • Develop joint applications with member jurisdictions and school districts for ATP and other active transportation funding.
  • Integrate Safe Routes to School projects with local Active Transportation Plans, General Plans, and capital improvement programs.
  • Coordinate with StanRTA and local jurisdictions to improve first- and last-mile connections between schools, transit stops, and surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Implement enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, sidewalk connections, bicycle facilities, traffic calming, and other safety improvements near priority schools.
  • Use education and encouragement programs alongside infrastructure investments to increase the effectiveness of SRTS improvements.

Mitigation Potential

Active modes of transportation for youth improve travel options for how students make trips to and from school. VMT is impacted by improving access and safety for alternative modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, scooters and skateboards.

For more details, see CAPCOA, T-56. Active Modes of Transportation for Youth, pg. 228-231 for VMT reduction quantification.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Active transportation programs targeted toward youth should prioritize Safe Routes to Schools in underserved areas. Ensuring equitable access includes culturally relevant outreach, provision of safety gear, and collaboration with schools serving low-income families. Programs should address barriers such as lack of infrastructure or unsafe crossings near public schools in DACs.

Funding Sources

Eligible projects can be funded through California’s Active Transportation Program, which combines state and federal resources to increase walking and bicycling and improve safety and mobility for non-motorized users. Other potential sources include Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Transportation Alternatives, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) where eligible, local transportation funds, and local or regional active transportation programs. StanCOG can assist member agencies with regional coordination and programming of eligible transportation investments. ATP Cycle 7 includes approximately $568 million for projects spanning FY 2025/26 through FY 2028/29.

Examples/Case Studies

Safe Routes to School – Ceres, California

Ceres has implemented multiple Safe Routes to School projects, including improvements along the Morgan Road corridor. The project included sidewalk connectivity, Class II bicycle lanes, enhanced crossings with pedestrian refuge islands, striped crossings, and traffic signage. The project was supported through state transportation funding, and StanCOG participated in the project.

Safe Routes to School – Turlock, California

The City of Turlock developed a dedicated Safe Routes to School plan as part of its active transportation planning. The plan identifies school travel patterns, walking and bicycling opportunities, and education and encouragement activities intended to increase active travel among students. Because Turlock is within the StanCOG region, the plan provides a directly applicable model for implementing school-focused active transportation programs elsewhere in Stanislaus County.