Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs are sustained efforts by parents, schools and community leaders to improve the health and well-being of children by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school.
The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has been working in conjunction with Lawrence Public Schools, the City of Lawrence and the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Organization to launch a SRTS planning initiative.
The project seeks to involve schools in Lawrence, both public and private, that serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The goal of the Safe Routes project is to develop a comprehensive, citywide SRTS plan that enables and encourages children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bike to and from school.
The public is invited to participate in two upcoming opportunities to learn more about the Safe Routes project and to get involved.
Why Safe Routes to School Matters: Public presentation by the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools
7-8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29
Community Health Facility, Second Floor Meeting Room, 200 Maine Street, Lawrence
Safe Routes to School National Course
Register at saferoutescourse.eventbrite.com
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30
Community Health Facility, Second Floor Meeting Room, 200 Maine Street, Lawrence
Join community leaders, school officials, public health workers, transportation and public works professionals, law enforcement officers, parents and neighbors for this opportunity for all elementary and middle schools in Lawrence, Kansas.
The course is offered free of charge, with refreshments, snacks and lunch provided.
Overview of course agenda:
- Why safe routes to school matters: Safety, health and transportation issues
- Field exercise of school campus and surrounding area
- Perspectives from local stakeholders
- Engineering strategies
- Pick-up and drop-off area strategies
- Identification and education strategies
- Enforcement strategies
- Action steps to develop a comprehensive, citywide SRTS Plan
Please register in advance at saferoutescourse.eventbrite.com. For more information, contact Charlie Bryan at 785-856-7357 or [email protected].
