Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program consists of a series of educational lessons and activities with a goal of encouraging children in kindergarten through 8th grade to safely walk and bicycle to school. Cross County Connection provides the SRTS program to schools in South Jersey free of charge through a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). The SRTS program improves children’s health by encouraging physical activity and promoting the use of travel modes that reduce traffic congestion and harmful vehicle emissions around schools.
SRTS program benefits include:
Improving cardiovascular health
Increasing children’s autonomy
Helping children arrive at school alert and ready to learn
Teaching safe walking and biking practices that will last a lifetime
And of course – It’s FUN!
Popular SRTS programs we offer:
Bike and Walk to School Day
Cross County Connection helps organize events to get students to walk or bike to school as part of special day complete with prizes! The event can be yearly, like on International Walk to School Day in October, but can be at any time of the year.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety Classes
A virtual or in-class presentation to teach valuable safety lessons. The curriculum is designed to be fun and engaging using hands-on interactive activities and quizzes.
Walking and Bike Safety Poster Contest
Following our safety classes, students draw a poster illustrating a lesson they learned. We will celebrate these students work on our social media. Students will be excited to see their work become Instagram famous!
Bike Rodeos
Cross County Connection partners with local police departments to set up a course where children can learn a set of skills to ride their bikes confidently and safely.
Helmet Fittings
Our SRTS staff will teach children and their parents how to properly fit a bike helmet.
Free helmets are provided for those children who do not have one.
The Golden Sneaker Walking Challenge
Students will form a team with their classmates that will challenge an opposing team. The competition can be between classes, grade levels, or between schools! The team with the most steps wins! We provide the pedometers and detailed program materials to ensure a smooth rollout.
School Travel Plans
Cross County Connection will assess the biking and walking environment around your school. Infrastructure, policy, and program recommendations are provided to address identified issues. School Travel Plans are often used to successfully apply for grant funding through NJDOT’s Safe Routes to School Infrastructure grant.
Many of our SRTS programs have been tailored to work in a virtual or socially distant environment. Learn more here.
For more information on our SRTS program please call our office or email ccctma@driveless.com
Membership
Cross County Connection members are dedicated to improving the mobility of the region through effective transportation solutions. They demonstrate their commitment by supporting CCCTMA through their membership.
