Safe Routes to School

students on bikes lined up in a row on the playground

Safe Routes to School - 51�Թ� Us

Our Mission

San Mateo County Safe Routes to School encourages and enables school children to walk and bicycle to school by implementing projects and activities that improve the health, well-being, and safety of children, which result in less traffic congestion and emissions caused by school-related travel.

Our Vision

The efforts of Safe Routes to School in San Mateo County result in less traffic congestion around schools, improved air quality, a greener, healthier community and an increase in self-reliance among San Mateo County children who walk and bike to school. Safe Routes to School is the catalyst for teaching children traffic safety skills and encouraging them to take an active mode of transportation to school. San Mateo County communities support this initiative with infrastructure that provides safe passage for children.

Apply for a 2024-2025 Safe Routes to School Grant

51�Թ� Safe Routes to School (SRTS) has released the application for infrastructure and special projects for the 2024-2025 school year on July 8th, 2024.

Funding for the San Mateo County SRTS Grant will be provided by Measure W, through the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. Funding may only be used for small capital infrastructure and special projects on or near public school sites. (Opportunities for education and encouragement will be available through the SRTS Services Application, which will be released in September.) This is a competitive grant and all projects will be evaluated, scored, and ranked against others submitted in this Grant Proposal call for projects. Funding is for public school districts/schools in San Mateo County.

Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm on August 16, 2024 and must be submitted via the individualized DropBox link that was sent to each applicant who submitted an “Intent to Submit” form. If an applicant did not receive a DropBox link, please email srts@smcoe.org prior to the August 16th deadline for a DropBox link.

Click for the application and information about the grant.

County-Wide Events

Safe Routes to School supports schools and districts in facilitating the following events. Interested in hosting an event at your school? Email us to receive free resources and remember to share your event participation data!

Schools that have had success with special events often expand them into regular activities that occur on a regular basis. These weekly and monthly events help to institutionalize positive behaviors and multiply the benefits of the activities, enabling walking and biking to become the preferred mode of travel from home to school. Examples of these ongoing encouragement activities are:
- Walk to School Wednesdays
- Walk and Roll (i.e. Bike) Day
- Walking School Bus and Bicycle Train
- Park and Walk
February-March - Golden Sneaker Events

Golden Sneaker events are a fun way to get children and families walking to school! With this event, students track the number of times they bike, walk, carpool or use transit as a means of getting to school. The classroom with the greatest participation rate earns a coveted Golden Sneaker Award. While events may be held at anytime, the formal San Mateo County Golden Sneaker Competition is held during the last week of February and first week of March. Winning classrooms are entered into a raffle to receive a special visit from Rookie the Goldendoodle therapy dog from the San Mateo Police Department.

March 18-22 - Crossing Guard Appreciation Week

Let your crossing guards know you appreciate them! The 51�Թ�’s Safe Routes to School program has prepared to help you appreciate your local crossing guards. This toolkit is .

April - Earth Month

Join San Mateo County Safe Routes to School and RecycleWorks of San Mateo County in Celebrating Earth Day! Walking School Buses and groups can pick up litter along the way to reduce carbon emissions and keep our home beautiful. San Mateo County Safe Routes to School created an Earth Day toolkit for you to encourage students to walk, bike, and roll to school throughout Earth Month and also plan activities that can build momentum for the rest of the year.

May 8 - Bike to School Day

Join cyclists from around the nation in celebration of National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 8th! The first National Bike to School Day event was held on May 9, 2012 and scheduled to coordinate with the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Month.

May 17 - Bike to Work Day

Visit one of the many around the county! Remember...if you can't bike, you can always walk or take transit!

September & October 2024 - Pedestrian Safety Months

There are a lot of people out walking these days! Pedestrian Safety Month is a reminder to practice safe walking techniques and to be a conscientious and alert driver. The 51�Թ� is celebrated Pedestrian Safety Month.

Click Click here for some pedestrian safety tips for Pedestrian Safety Tips resources from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

October 9, 2024 - International Walk to School Day

International Walk to School Day (IWTSD) is a global event involving children walking to school. Students are back in school for in-person learning!

November 14 - Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Ruby Bridges became a symbol of the civil rights movement at age six when she was the youngest of a group of African American students designated to integrate schools in the American South. On November 14, 1960, her first day of school at William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Ruby was escorted by four federal marshals and spent the entire day in the principal’s office as irate parents marched into the school to remove their children.

Districts and schools in San Mateo County are encouraged to recognize Ruby's impact by adopting "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" on November 14, or on the following Wednesday of each when November 14 falls on a weekend. SMCOE provides a number of "Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day" resources to support districts and the community in taking part in this initiative. or go to .

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

Student riding through a course designed to teach them how to move through train crossings and intersections safely.

Police officer guiding a young child through the bike course on Bike Safety Day in Belmont.

School Assemblies and Encouragement Events

Safe Routes to School organizes various assemblies with schools all over San Mateo County to provide Safe Routes education to school children in exciting and engaging performances. These include music performances by Music Notes, BMX demonstrations by Perfection on Wheels, biking course through Safe Moves City by Safe Moves, and much more! Check out all of our approved vendors and their services below!

EarthCapades

Through fun, carnival-like performances,  provide interactive assemblies that promote ecological diversity and environmentally friendly practices to help preserve, protect and respect the natural resources of planet Earth.

Ecology Action

Since its launch in 1970,  has developed solutions addressing various environmental issues from recycling to pesticide use. One of their focus is promoting active transportation, which is perfectly in line with one of the many goals of the Safe Routes to School Program. We have partnered with them to provide bicycle and pedestrian education to our school children and communities in general.

Marine Science Institute

provides a variety of interactive, educational programs to help cultivate students' natural sense of curiosity and foster a responsibility to protect the environment.

Music Notes

Founded by two middle school teachers in Los Angeles,  educates children in many areas of knowledge from STEM education to Safe Routes and much more. Their catchy music and engaging concerts are always a fun experience for children to learn important tips and facts about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and bicyclist in their neighborhood.

Perfection on Wheels

For over 25 years,  have been performing exciting BMX tricks in school assemblies. Their engaging performances teach children about treating each other with respect, kindness, and empathy, in addition to educating them about bicycling safety.

Safe Moves

specializes in designing and launching educational programs to encourage active transportation to and from school. In many Safe Routes to School events, they put up their "Safe Moves City" to provide children with a simulated traffic environment to practice decision making and problem-solving when moving through a city setting.
provides resources for school safety patrols and Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

provides resources, technical assistance, and training to transportation partners across California to increase opportunity for the success of active transportation projects.

is the public agency entrusted with regulating stationary sources of air pollution in the nine counties that surround San Francisco Bay: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, southwestern Solano, and southern Sonoma counties.

, a free service that can fix flat tires, adjust brakes and gears, and even replace broken or worn out parts like chains, seats, and tires. Bike or no bike, it can be educational for all who show up. Their visits can stand-alone or they can link up to an existing event like a health fair. All you have to do is pick a date and promote it with flyers and announcements that they provide. A visit typically lasts 2.5 to 4 hours. Schedule your free visit today!

manages issues that affect the quality of life; transportation, air quality, stormwater runoff, hazardous waste, solid waste and recycling, land use near airports, and abandoned vehicle abatement in San Mateo County.

The Office of the Secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Integrated Waste Management Board have reviewed and concurred with the Environmental Principles and Concepts.

is a supporter of the Safe Routes to School Program and its efforts.

encourages and supports the use of sustainable alternatives to driving alone.

is a free, ready-to-run climate change assembly program that educates K-8 students and their families about climate change and inspires them to take simple actions to reduce their carbon emissions.

provides stewardship over the construction, maintenance and preservation of the Nation’s highways, bridges and tunnels. FHWA also conducts research and provides technical assistance to state and local agencies in an effort to improve safety, mobility, and livability, and to encourage innovation.

Clean water. Healthy community. It's a team effort.

works collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop strategies that will reduce and prevent obesity and other health risks of unhealthy eating and lack of physical activity among all children in San Mateo County.

is designed to honor, support, and recognize the important work of teachers and students in the advancement of environmental sustainability. This program is supported by RecycleWorks of San Mateo County, MTC, Stopwaste.org, and Bright Green San Jose.

represents bicyclists in the movement to create? safer roads, stronger communities, and a bicycle-friendly America. Through information, advocacy and promotion, the League works to celebrate and preserve the freedom cycling brings to members everywhere.

(MTC) plans, finances and coordinates transportation for the nine Bay Area counties.

has extensive information about funding, special events and programs.

works to ensure that all residents of the District enjoy optimal health through education, prevention, and access to needed health care services.

works to improve the San Mateo County Commute.

brings together key public and private organizations in our community in ongoing efforts to ensure the health and success of all children, youth and families served by the Redwood City School District.

promotes Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day as a national day of dialogue.

a national nonprofit organization working to advance safe walking and rolling to and from schools and in everyday life, improving the health and well-being of people of all races, income levels, and abilities, and building healthy, thriving communities for everyone.

partners with schools to provide school tripper busses and moving into the future with electric busses.

works to improve the quality of life for District residents by enhancing access to healthcare services and by supporting and encouraging programs and activities designed to achieve health, wellness, and disease prevention.

is a regional program that aims to educate, inspire and empower youth and families in the San Francisco Bay Area to walk, bicycle, carpool, and take transit.

advocates for making world-class public transportation and wonderful, walkable communities the norm - not the exception - in the Bay Area and California.

works with organizations to foster diverse and inclusive communities.

Students gently touching a crab inside a clear bucket during a Marine Science Institute in their classroom.

Students learning about human impact on the environment during a classroom visit from Marine Science Institute.

BMX rider doing a jump over an adult seated atop a ramp.

Perfection On Wheels BMX stunt performer jumping over a volunteer teacher during a Safe Routes assembly to teach about importance of bicycling safety gears (i.e. helmets).

An adult guiding a student on a bicycle through a mini town where they practice road safety.

Students riding through "Safe Moves City" to practice riding safely through their neighborhoods.

Two performers in front of projector screen with lyrics, teaching students to check their bikes.

Mr. Que and Mr. D from Music Notes performing a catchy tune to teach students about what to check for before hopping on their bicycle!

Community Involvement

In addition to organizing encouragement events with schools, the Safe Routes to School Program also hosts and participates in many community events with the goal of elevating the quality of life within our communities by way of improving air quality, creating a greener, healthier environment, and increasing self-reliance within San Mateo County. Below are a few examples:

The "Every Kid Deserves A Bike" program was created by the City of South San Francisco in broad partnership with the Safe Routes to School Program here at the 51�Թ�, alongside a number of other organizations and volunteers. It strives to provide children from Title 1 schools with the joyful experience and health benefits of riding their bicycles.

First launched in May of 2022, the program provided 150 bicycles to fourth and fifth graders from two schools. In the 2023-2024 school year, the thriving program expanded to provide five schools with a total of 350 bicycles, helmets, and locks for children in need.
The goal of a walk audit is to identify barriers that make walking and biking unsafe for students. By recognizing and prioritizing these issues, the city and the identified school can take action to make active modes of transportation safer for students. The audit brings forth recommendations to alleviate traffic safety concerns that impact how students get to and from school.

Walk Audit Facilitator Training

SMCOE Safe Routes to School hosted a walk audit training with on February 29th (Part 1) and March 13th (Part 2). Attendees included Safe Routes to School champions from San Mateo County and from Hawaii to New York! .

Walk Audit Analysis

To view the walk audit analysis, please scroll down to the "Safe Routes to School Reporting" section and click on "Walk Audit Analysis" to see available reports for each school district.
El Camino Real Demonstration

Road safety initiatives bring forth innovation in South San Francisco. The Smart Growth America pilot program, partners with the City of South San Francisco on a complete streets quick-build. With the support of CalTrans, temporary traffic improvements will take place from Country Club Drive to South Spruce Avenue on El Camino Real which will go live in July 2023. In partnership with the City of South San Francisco, SMCOE Safe Routes to School will ensure students who walk, bike, and take public transit nearby the quick-build will safely travel along El Camino Real.

ECR Demonstration Project Debut

Reserve the Bike Blender!

What is a bike blender? A bike blender is a bike pedal-powered blender! It is a great tool to enhance Safe Routes to School education by engaging our audience and rewarding their participation during events that teach about health and wellness. The best part is the bike blender can be reserved for your next event as well! For more information or to reserve the bike blender, send us an email to srts@smcoe.org.

Student Art

Student artwork fully colored page showing perspective drawing of biker with long blonde hair, red helmet, pink shirt and blue pants riding on a bike path lined with green grass and tree. House in foreground to the right of bike path, and another house in the background to the left of the path. Sun in the upper left corner, with title

Student artwork with sun in the upper right corner, center featuring student wearing orange backpack standing next to his orange bike on path, overlooking brown school building on a green lawn where students are playing in the distance. Bottom portion reads

Student artwork showing a girl in green helmet and outfit standing next to her blue bike on the path. There are clouds in the sky and she is petting the kitten wearing a helmet and sitting in the bike basket.

Student artwork of fully colored page with blue sky, green hills and bike path. Title

Student artwork with colorful bike prominently featured in the center, standing on green grass. Title

Student artwork featuring a blue bike with a puppy wearing helmet in the bike basket. A girl wearing helmet black tank top and baggy pants is standing next to the bike. Title

Resources

Informational Guides & Toolkits

Our five year strategy (posted above in the reporting section, titled "Safe Routes to School Strategy - Five Year Evaluation") has found that motor vehicle speeds are a primary determining factor in the safety of all roadway users, especially for students walking and bicycling in San Mateo County. This guide book is designed to help the San Mateo County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program and local jurisdiction meet their SRTS goals to enable and encourage students to walk or bicycle to school by implementing slower speeds in School Zones.