Safe Routes to School

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is a federally funded program that promotes safe conditions for students to walk or bike to and from school.  Safe routes can be achieved through new infrastructure improvements, educational activities, and enforcement of existing rules and regulations.

History

In the summer of 2008, a Safe Routes to School Committee was established.  Several organizations partnered together to create the Farmington Walk and Roll Program.  These groups include staff from the City of Farmington Traffic Engineering, the Farmington Police Department, the Farmington MPO, San Juan College, principals, teachers, and parent volunteers.

Participating elementary schools currently include Mesa Verde, McKinley, Apache, and Ladera schools.  In March 2009, the SRTS Committee received a SRTS Phase 1 grant which provided $15,000 in federal funds for developing SRTS Action Plans for these schools and for other safe routes activities.  In August 2011, the City of Farmington received $25,000 for a SRTS Phase 2 grant for non-infrastructure activities and $250,000 for Infrastructure projects.

The MPO has also been working with the City of Bloomfield.  Student arrival counts have been taken at Central Primary during the past year.

Walk Across America Program

For the 2009/2010 school year, Mesa Verde, McKinley, and Apache schools participated in a Walk Across America program.  Students recorded how often they walked to and from school and the overall progress of the school was tracked on a course across America.  The students received rewards as the schools hit certain milestones.  Individual achievements were acknowledged as children walked 25, 50, and 100 miles.

Student Arrival Counts

As a way to evaluate how the SRTS programs are progressing, student arrival counts are taken in the spring and fall.  Volunteers track the number of students arriving by vehicle, by school bus, or by walking/biking.

SRTS Committee Meeting Minutes

Other SRTS Links

• NMDOT Safe Routes to School
• National Center for Safe Routes to School
• National Center for Bicycling and Walking