Communities across the state can apply for a new round of project and program funds that increase safety for students walking and biking to school.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is accepting project proposals for the Safe Routes to School Program through May 4. Eligible projects are those within two miles of primary and middle schools, kindergarten through eighth grade. Review criteria for the applications are based on proposed engineering solutions, education and enforcement efforts, project readiness and need or potential benefit.

WSDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program was created to provide children a safe, healthy alternative to being driven to school. The program supports projects that increase the number of children walking and biking to school where it is safe and works to improve safety along school routes. The program also supports safety projects such as walking school buses, sidewalk and bike lane construction, pedestrian safety education, bicycle safety skills classes, crossing guards, and installation of speed feedback signs and traffic safety cameras.

More detailed information about the program and the application process is available online here.