Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a national movement to make it easier for youth and families to walk and bike to and from school.
Walking and biking to school create opportunities for families and friends to share time with each other and build connections to their community. When fewer people drive to school it has the added benefits of reducing traffic congestion and pollution around schools, and improving safety in school zones.
Since 2014 Living Streets Alliance has coordinated Safe Routes to School programs on behalf of both the City of Tucson and the City of South Tucson, working to make it fun, safe, and easy for more Tucson-area youth (K-8) to get out on foot and on bike. These programs include a variety of events and activities, including:
Mobile Bike Repair
We bring the bike shop to you! Enjoy free repairs and learn some basic bicycle maintenance skills while you’re at it.
After-school Bike Clubs
Fully supported weekly bike club convenings. Bikes, helmets, and equipment are provided so students can explore their neighborhoods together with an adult group ride leader and build/develop safety skills and confidence while doing so.
In-classroom Education
Our Riders & Walkers interactive game follows two youth as they get around their neighborhood on foot and on bike. This fun, educational activity is available for 3rd grade classrooms, delivered by the expert team at Environmental Education Exchange.
Walking School Buses & Bike Trains
Think of how a bus works. It stops at predetermined locations and picks up kids on the way. Now, replace that concept with biking and walking and you’ve got a Walking School Bus or Bike Train—a walking/biking group led by adult chaperones. Let’s get one started in your neighborhood!
Safe Route Mapping
Finding the safest route to get to school on foot/bike can be challenging. We’ll evaluate the area and develop walking routes and maps to help you find the easiest and most enjoyable route(s) to take.
Customized Event & Activities for Individual Schools
Each school has its own assets and opportunities. We’ll work with you to capitalize on your school’s strengths and develop unique events and activities to support biking and walking: weekly walking groups; monthly bike-challenge contests; painting an intersection or crosswalk in the area; you name it!
To learn more about Safe Routes to School, or find out how to get your child’s school involved, please contact us at: info@livingstreetsalliance.org. To learn more about the Safe Routes School Tucson program, click below: