Safe Routes To School: Local Policy Guide For Healthy Communities.pdf

Local Policy Guide (2011) Summary

This guide from the Safe Routes to School National Partnership outlines strategies for communities to develop and implement policies that promote safe walking and bicycling to school, emphasizing a "health in all policies" approach. It leverages contributions from various experts and organizations involved in the Safe Routes to School movement.

Key Points:

Transition from Programs to Policy: The guide emphasizes shifting from individual program initiatives to systemic policy changes that create supportive environments for active transportation.
Seven P's of Policy Change Model: Introduces a framework (Power, Philosophy, Policy, Procedure, Project, Partnerships, Promotion) to guide successful policy development and implementation.
Equity and Health: Emphasizes the connection between safe routes to school and equitable access to healthy communities, highlighting the importance of policies that address:
Master Plans: For bicycle and pedestrians integrating school locations.
Capital Improvements: Prioritizing infrastructure that supports active transportation.
Regional Transportation Planning: Aligning school siting with comprehensive regional mobility plans.
General/Comprehensive Plans: Ensuring schools are accessible within a walkable distance.
Funding Mechanisms: Explores various funding sources, including:
Fine-based funding: Leveraging penalties for traffic violations to fund safety improvements.
School bonds and sales tax: Securing dedicated funding for infrastructure projects.
Health Impact Assessments: Analyzing the health benefits of active transportation initiatives.
Specific Policy Areas: Provides guidance on a range of policy areas, including:
Crossing guards, speed limits, law enforcement: Enhancing safety at intersections and along routes.
Bicycle and pedestrian education: Promoting knowledge and skills for safe travel.
School siting, closure/consolidation, wellness policies: Shaping school environments to support active commuting.
Joint use agreements: Facilitating access to public spaces for after-school activities.
* Implementation Strategies: Offers practical steps for putting policy change into action, emphasizing collaboration and community engagement.