Since the inception of the Federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program in 2005, PennDOT has committed nearly $20 million to 70 projects that will enable and encourage children to safely walk or bicycle to school. These projects, which are currently being implemented across the Commonwealth, utilize funding allocated to Pennsylvania through the nation’s federal transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU. The bill, having expired on September 30, 2009, is now in its eighth short term extension, while Congress formulates new multi-year legislation that will continue to provide funding for various forms of transportation.

During this time, PennDOT has opted not to begin any new infrastructure funding rounds, due to the uncertain nature of how SRTS – as well as similar programs – will be funded in the pending legislation.

However, PennDOT is moving forward with the noninfrastructure part of the SRTS program, which provides tools to educate students, encourage participation, and enforce safety along walking and bicycling routes. Through collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), PennDOT has created several new resources, training classes, and funding opportunities, which are available at Pennsylvania’s new Safe Routes to School Resource Center: www.saferoutespa.org. To receive periodic updates on both the infrastructure and noninfrastructure side of the program, please sign up on the left hand side of the website’s homepage.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Pennsylvania’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Chris Metka, at 717-787-8065 or cmetka@pa.gov.

Infrastructure Projects Non-Infrastructure Projects