Staff of the BVSD Transportation Department recognizes the need for improved bicycle parking at our schools, both in function and capacity. Transportation Staff is developing a collective Infrastructure application to obtain bike racks through the Colorado Safe Routes to School grant. If successful, the racks would be available in 2008-09 school year

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a federal aid program with an aim of making walking and cycling more appealing and safer for K-8 students. Presently, nine BVSD schools are participating in the educational side of this grant. The national website has loads of information.

Expectations of School

All elementary and middle schools are invited to apply. Your school will be responsible for supplying information for the grant. BVSD Transportation Staff will write the grant application itself.

To be considered, your school must meet the following general qualifications:

• Confirmed approval from school principal, including a Letter of Commitment
• Identify parent champions to manage the project and complete the project.
• Agree to terms of the grant to meet expectations including but not limited to:

1. Complete School Information Form
2. Complete Bike Parking Questionnaire
3. Assist with data collection for the Colorado SRTS Infrasture Application
4. Form a Safe Routes Committee to oversee grant requirements:

• Conduct evaluation surveys
• Host a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with installation of racks
• Plan, publicize, and carry out educational/encouragement activity

Application Steps

School representatives will complete the Colorado Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Application in collaboration with BVSD Safe Routes Administrator.  The fundamental steps of the application process are as follows:

1. Contact Landon Hilliard at Landon.Hilliard@bvsd.org and Sue Prant at bikesue@gmail.com to indicate interest
2. Find school representative (parent champion) to oversee the application process.
3. Complete School Information Form
4. Describe your school’s present conditions and needs by completing the Bike Parking Questionnaire.
5. Collect Letters of Support from school community and partners.

 Time Line

Proposals received after due dates and those not selected for the 2008-09 grant application will be considered for future grant applications for Safe Routes funding.

Landon Hilliard
Safe Routes Administrator
Boulder Valley School District – Transportation Department
6500 Arapahoe Avenue
Boulder, CO 80303
e-mail: Landon.Hilliard@bvsd.org
telephone: 303-245-5931

According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly half of all children walked or biked to school in 1969. Today, those numbers have dropped to less than 10 percent.

Colorado Safe Routes to School is a program that enables and encourages children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school. The program uses the collective intelligence and energy of your school community to address barriers that inhibit students from walking and biking to school. In addition to helping address health problems related to sedentary behavior among children, the program aims to help reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution in the vicinity of schools.

Colorado Safe Routes to School is 100 percent federally funded through SAFETEA-LU legislation (Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users) approved in August 2005 and is managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).