Happy New Year from the Kansas SRTS team! As we kick off 2026, how about a resolution to commit to more walking, biking, and rolling? Whether it's a weekly walk to school, a family bike ride, or simply choosing active transportation when possible, small changes add up to healthier kids, stronger communities, and safer streets.

Keep reading to learn more about the exciting things going on to help you keep that resolution!

WALKING SCHOOL BUS RESOURCES AND AN UPCOMING WEBINAR

Ready to join the movement?

We are thrilled to share our new Walking School Bus resource page AND an upcoming webinar to help you get started!

This 1-hour webinar will teach you how to start or re-energize a walking school bus in your community. A walking school bus is a group of children actively traveling to school with one or more adults. It can be as simple as two families taking turns walking and rolling their children to school, or as structured as a planned route with meeting points, a timetable, and trained volunteers. At the webinar, you'll hear from Kansas school communities with existing walking school bus programs to get you inspired!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

USD 423: Moundridge Elementary School

Moundridge has been crushing it with their walking school buses! Their Wildcats Walk, Bike, Roll program features First Friday walks to school each month from three locations around town. Local businesses along the routes join the fun, sharing treats and encouragement with students. What an incredible example of community support for active transportation!

Join the Moundridge Wildcats and register your walking school bus to receive KDOT support, resources, and a free safety kit.

Check out our Bike Safety Tip Sheet, one of many resources available in Spanish on the Kansas SRTS website.

SRTS MATERIALS NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH

Translated versions of the Idea Book and more!

Great news! Key SRTS materials have been translated into Spanish to better serve Kansas families. Translated resources now include:

Making our materials accessible in multiple languages means more families can participate in creating safer routes for Kansas kids. ¡Increíble!

YOUTH SAFETY VIDEO SERIES

Watch and share!

We are rolling out an ongoing video series focused on youth safety! These short, shareable videos break down key concepts for creating safer streets for kids.

Catch the overview and follow along as we release new videos in the coming weeks.

COMING UP

Mark Your Calendars! 🗓️

Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program - February 2026

Get ready! TA funding applications for construction projects will be released in February. Start thinking about your SRTS infrastructure projects now. Visit the TA website for updates.

2026-2027 Planning & Programming Grant Applications - April 2026

Applications for the next round of P&P grants will open in April. Is your community ready to create a Safe Routes to School Plan or implement education and programming from a published SRTS Plan? Visit our funding page for details.

Follow Kansas Active Transportation on Facebook!

HAVE YOU SEEN US ON SOCIAL?

We're an excellent virtual friend!

Do yourself a favor and head over to facebook.com/KansasATP right now to follow us. We promise we'll be one of the best things to hit your social media feed.

Before you go...

We need your help building the SRTS network and empowering the SRTS movement here in Kansas! Here are a few ways you can help:

Check out our website! saferoutes.ksdot.gov has all sorts of news and information to get you pumped about SRTS.
Join the SRTS email list. If you received this e-newsletter directly, then you're already signed up! If it was forwarded by a friend or colleague, make sure to sign up and tell your friends!

Questions or comments?

Contact Ann Katt, KDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at ann.katt@ks.gov.