Model Resolution Supporting Safe Routes to School
For metropolitan planning organizations
Lack of regular physical activity is among the top preventable risk factors for premature mortality in the United States. Inadequate physical activity also contributes to the current childhood obesity epidemic, and increases the risk of many associated health problems.
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) make it safer and easier for children and their families to walk or bike to school, allowing kids to be physically active on a daily basis. Metropolitan Planning Organizations serving 200,000 or more people are responsible for obligating Transportation Alternatives funds in their region; they can allocate funds to SRTS projects to enable and encourage kids to get exercise on their way to and from school.
Metropolitan Planning Organizations can use this model resolution to support Safe Routes to School projects. This resource includes background information, relevant findings, and model policy language. It is intended to be used as a policy intervention to increase physical activity in children by increasing the number of students who travel to school by foot or bicycle rather than by car.
For more information, check out our other SRTS resources. Contact us to receive help developing an SRTS program for your community.