WHAT IS THE Safe Routes to School Program?
Our vision for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) in Harrisonburg is equitable and sustainable programming that supports, encourages, and ultimately increases safe active transportation among K-12 students.
Through collaboration with city departments, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Sentara RMH Community Health, and community organizations, the program works to improve street and campus safety, encourage safe travel behaviors, and foster a culture that supports walking and biking to school.
The program is coordinated by Andrea Troyer, the Safe Routes to School Coordinator, who leads and supports a wide range of activities in partnership with schools and community groups. These efforts include student education, school-day walking and biking initiatives, infrastructure planning, and community outreach all aimed at making it safer and more desirable for students to walk or bike as part of their daily routine.
THE SRTS PROGRAM FOCUSES ON…
Educating Students
Teach safe walking and biking skills in school
Organize on-campus walking before school to engage all students and build community.
Amplify the Risk Watch Program through Harrisonburg Fire Department, which educates on pedestrian safety.
Support bicycle safety education, bike unit activities, professional development for teachers, and help maintain school bicycle fleets.
Encouraging Active Travel
Collect participation data through tallies and surveys.
Promote International Walk, Bike and Roll to School Days to increase community involvement and excitement!
Pilot programs such as walking school buses and bike trains for group travel to school.
Improving Infrastructure
Help plan walk zones and on-campus facilities.
Identify and support infrastructure changes for sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared-use paths through Public Works.
Work with city and school partners to promote safe school zones, hire crossing guards, and implement traffic calming.
