SDOT’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program has been busy!
The SRTS Mini Grant Program has chosen its grant recipients for the fall 2016 cycle. Twenty-two schools, PTAs and community groups will receive mini grants, which provide up to $1,000 to support biking and walking to school safely.
- Alki Elementary received a $1,000 grant to start a neighborhood Walking School Bus
- North Beach Elementary will update student safety patrol gear and promote May’s Bike to School Month
- Eckstein Middle school will continue hosting “Biker Breakfasts” and promoting bicycle safety and sustainable transportation
- Beacon Hill International School will invest in: new safety vests for kids and walking leaders, crossing flags, new signage, maps, and incentives for students when they get to school
The next mini grant application period for spring runs April 1 – 30, 2017. PTA members or principals are encouraged to apply. For questions contact Serena Lehman: serena.lehman@seattle.gov.
Here’s an update on another SRTS program, “We Create the Wheel,” recently teamed up with Bike Works‘ “Kids Bike-O-Rama” and other community groups to give away 150 bikes to kids in Columbia City!
The bikes at the event were made available to qualifying low-income families and given test runs in the outdoor obstacle course by young riders before being taken home – at little to no charge!
The fun day included rooms of bikes and Bike Works staff and volunteers who helped fit and distribute freshly-refurbished bikes. Young people involved with Bike Works fixed up the 150 donated bikes before they were given final safety checks and made available to kids and families at the event.
By opening channels to youth and families to biking, Bike Works, SDOT, and community partners are working toward goals of empowering youth and building resilience. Learn more about Bike Works Bike Giveaway Programs here.