Safe Routes to School (SR2S) is a national and local program dedicated to increasing the number of children walking and biking to school.

Walking and biking is a great way for kids to get to school because it means kids can be active and get their bodies and minds working before they sit down to learn. Making improvements that make it safe for kids to walk and bike to school – such as improving and adding sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks – benefit the entire surrounding community.

Schools in San Mateo County regularly receive SR2S funding by: 1) applying directly to the County Office of Education’s Safe Routes to School Program  or 2) applying to the Federal Safe Routes to School Program.

Sign up for Get Healthy Updates to receive notification when Safe Routes to School grant applications are announced.

Resources to help make your Safe Routes to School funding application more competitive

The San Mateo County Safe Routes to School Program Toolkit is a suggested list of programs that can be funded. 

The Implementing Safe Routes to School in Low-Income Schools and Communities Resource Guide, developed by the Safe Routes Partnership, focuses on the challenges of creating safe routes for children to walk and bike to school in low-income communities.

The Getting Students Active through Safe Routes to School Resource Guide, developed by the Safe Routes Partnership, includes action steps for education policymakers and professionals that can be implemented at the state, school district and individual school levels.

Increasing Physical Activity through Community Design was developed by the National Center for Biking and Walking.

Local organizations working on Safe Routes to School

The San Mateo County Office of Education awards local funding and coordinates the Policy Advisory Committee and Operations Committee.

Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition facilitates several district SR2S committees. Staff also conduct bike rodeos, education and safety trainings and encouragement activities. This is the go-to organization for SR2S activities in San Mateo County.

Transform is a Bay Area organization coordinating a statewide coalition working to protect SR2S funding and carrying out active transportation policies.

Federal Safe Routes to School Funding Highlights in San Mateo County is all Federal Safe Routes to School funding that has been awarded in San Mateo County over the last 10 years.