Why Safe Routes to School Matter

Every day throughout the Bay Area, children walk, bike, scooter, and ride to school.In August 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funded the Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) and Walk Boston in Arlington, MA to develop a national model Safe Routes to Schools program. After tremendous success in Marin County, in 2005, the program received expanded funding and is now nationwide. Safe Routes to School programs are focused on making it safer for children to get to school by improving sidewalks, crosswalks, bike access, traffic calming, and driver awareness around campuses. These efforts do more than reduce congestion in the morning drop-off line. They help children build independence, encourage physical activity, and create a culture in which drivers expect to share the road with young pedestrians and cyclists.

For families, the value is obvious. When streets near schools have marked crossings, lower speeds, better lighting, and visible bike facilities, children are less exposed to the kinds of crashes that cause serious injuries. Safe Routes to School also reminds drivers of an important legal and moral duty: school zones and neighborhoods demand extra caution. These programs can also reduce risky midblock crossings and chaotic pickup traffic, two common factors in school-area collisions. Such improvements benefit the entire neighborhood and community.

From a personal injury perspective, these programs also highlight a larger truth: many preventable collisions are linked to road design, poor visibility, and speeding. Safer infrastructure protects everyone, not just students. Parents, teachers, crossing guards, and community leaders all play a role by reporting hazards, supporting improvements, and teaching children safe habits.
At its core, Safe Routes to School is about giving children a safer path to learning and giving parents greater peace of mind. When communities invest in safer streets near schools, they invest in health, accountability, and a better future for every family.

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