The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), with funding from the Federal Highway Administration, has developed a new program that will provide reimbursements to local public authorities, school districts, and non-profit associations for projects or activities that will make walking and bicycling to school safe, enjoyable, and routine. Funding will be provided for infrastructural projects such as improvements to sidewalks, traffic calming, pedestrian and bicycle crossing, on- and off-street bicycle facilities, secure bicycle parking, and traffic diversions. Funding will be provided for non-infrastructural activities such as public awareness campaigns and outreach to press and community leaders, establishing walking school buses and bike trains, traffic education and enforcement, student training on bicycle and pedestrian safety, and funding for training volunteers and staff. Funding will also be provided for applicants to develop safe routes to schools plans, with the possibility of future funding to implement the plan.
KDOT has officially opened the 2007 funding cycle. Click here for a copy of the application. One requirement of the program is that all applications from within the planning area of a Metropolitan Planning Organization, such as WAMPO, must include a letter of support from that MPO. Applications must be received by WAMPO no later than April 19, 2007 to be eligible for a letter of support. Please contact WAMPO with any questions regarding the Safe Routes to School program.
On October 23, 2006, WAMPO was notified that it has been awarded $15,000 to complete a regional Safe Routes to School (SRTS) plan. WAMPO submitted the funding application in conjunction with the Safe Kids Wichita Area Coalition. The planning process will include surveying 3rd and 6th grade students throughout the region to determine how many children walk or ride bicycles to school. The SRTS plan will include recommendations on regional strategies to improve the safety of children in the vicinity of schools. We will also be partnering with Safe Kids on school-based safety education and looking for opportunities for future cooperative projects with Safe Kids. For more information on Safe Routes to School, click the following links:
National Center for Safe Routes to School
Federal Highway Administration
KDOT Safe Routes
For more information, contact Scott Dunakey, Principal Planner at sdunakey@wichita.gov or (316) 268 - 4457.