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Bicycle Coalition of Maine - Safety - Education - Access

Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is a statewide effort among Maine communities to increase bicycling and walking to school by improving student transportation choices, safety and health. In partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation, the BCM provides staff support and resources to schools and communities to increase the number of students walking and bicycling to school. Walking and bicycling is a great way for kids to be healthy and enjoy Maine's beautiful outdoors!

Walk & Bike to School Programs

Walking and biking to school is a great way to establish healthy living practices. Obesity rates have doubled in the last 20 years, growing rapidly as the number of children walking or bicycling to school has declined. Public health officials have pointed to physical activity and a lack of safe places to walk and bicycle as a factor in the obesity epidemic among America's youth. So...how can you make a difference in your community? Create a Walk and Bike to School program to heighten awareness among families, educators, and community leaders about the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety and to promote more bike and pedestrian-friendly environments. Contact us to find out how!

To learn more about how your school or community can begin a Safe Routes program contact Denise Delorie, Safe Routes to School Program Assistant, at (207) 623-4511 or saferoutes@BikeMaine.org.

arrowWhy Walk or Bike to School?

Steps to Creating a Safe Routes to School Program

Starting a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is an opportunity to make walking and bicycling to school safer for children and to increase the number of children who choose to walk and bicycle. On a broader level, SRTS programs can enhance children's health and well being, ease traffic congestion near the school and improve air quality and improve community members' overall quality of life.

arrowClick here for a complete guide to Safe Routes to School Programs.


For Schools & Communities


For Parents


For Kids


  • BCM Kids
    All kinds of resources for kids (and their parents), including "Why Bike or Walk to School", Walking and Biking Safety Tips, and advice about how to make your neighborhood safer for walkers and bikers.

Materials


Visit these pages for exciting materials to encourage walking and biking to school:

Helpful Links


Upcoming Events


  • iwalk
    International Walk to School in the USA. Join kids and families around the globe to walk and bicycle to school in October.

 
Dress Bright for SafetySafety Tip:
Dress Bright for Safety
Wear light- or bright-colored clothing so you can be seen
Tuck away shoelaces or other strings or cords so they don’t dangle
Wear snug clothes

 

Better Bicycling in Maine Since 1992


Bicycle Coalition of Maine, P.O. Box 5275, Augusta, Maine 04332-5275
(207) 623-4511, info@BikeMaine.org