MADISON, Wis. — Governor Jim Doyle has announced that 44 communities throughout Wisconsin are receiving grants totaling more than $6 million to help pay for projects to make their streets and intersections safer for children who walk or bike to school. The Safe Routes to School program is designed to get more children in grades K-8 to walk or bike to school, decrease traffic around schools and reduce pollution.
“We want to make sure kids have a safe way to get to school and are on the right track to being healthy adults,” Governor Doyle said. “The Safe Routes to School program also has the great side effects of decreasing traffic congestion and keeping our air clean.”
The funds announced today are being awarded to communities for such projects as multi-use trails, bike racks, traffic calming, sidewalk improvements, bike and pedestrian education, and enforcement activities. Of the 44 projects, 15 will be for planning, while 29 will be to implement changes and start a Safe Routes to School program right away. The program operates on a reimbursement basis, whereby projects must be completed before funds are distributed.
This is the third round of projects approved under the program. Since 2007, the state Department of Transportation has distributed approximately $14 million in federal funds for projects that make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative. A safe walking and biking environment encourages a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age. It also reduces traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution in the vicinity of schools.
School officials, parent-teacher groups, local law enforcement agencies and others can find detailed information about the program online, at: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/aid/saferoutes.htm
For a complete list of projects announced today, visit: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=20436
Safe Routes to School Oct. 5, 2010 press release
