Safe Routes to School Newsletter 🚌

June 2024 • View as Webpage

Hello Summer!

We had a busy Spring and met so many of you. As we roll into summer, we have more exciting things planned! Be sure to check out our walking and biking safety tips.

MCDOT visits community events to share the importance of walking and biking safely all year round. We have many resources available via our Safe Routes to School program (SRTS) that are free to use.

If there is anything we can do to support you or the children in your community during this time, do not hesitate to reach out. SRTS is a FREE program that provides pedestrian and bicycle safety education and outreach to residents of Montgomery County.

Safety Day Success

Thank you to the more than 2,000 attendees for coming to our first Safety Day! We had so much fun sharing resources and lessons about bike and pedestrian safety. With more than 70 county and community partners at the event.

Our mascot, Zeal the Safety Zebra brought along a friend T-Rec from the Recreation Department to meet with you and helped present the raffle prizes.

See highlights below and all photos from the event.

Pedestrian Safety Art Contest WINNERS

Our annual Pedestrian Safety Art Contest raises awareness about pedestrian safety with school-aged children. The contest was open from April 1 - April 30, 2024. Students were encouraged to use their creative thinking and unique artwork to educate themselves and others about pedestrian safety.

We were very impressed by all the talented artists. It was a challenge to choose as we received nearly 400 entries!

The first-place images for each age group are included here. Visit the website to see all the winning artwork.

Congrats to the contest winners!

K-3 winners:

Viona, Hannah, and Aimee

4th & 5th Grade winners:

Annie, Juanita, and Elvis

The winners were announced at Safety Day on Saturday, May 11.

K-3 1st place winner

4th -5th 1st place winner

Bike to School Day May 8

Our favorite safety mascot, Zeal, hosted Bike to School Day at Bayard Rustin Elementary School in Rockville. Dozens of students pedaled their way to school and joined in the celebrations at their school.

See more photos from the 2024 event >

Montgomery County Ag Fair Coming Soon

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is celebrating its 75th jubilee this year, August 9th - 17th, 2024.

Join us at the Fair and stop by the MCDOT tent while you are there for information and free giveaways.

View photos from last year's events. Montgomery County Agricultural Fair 2023 - August 11-19th. | Flickr

Learn more about the Fair at The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair | The best 9 days of summer! (mcagfair.com)

Engineering Update

As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility, the MCDOT conducts walkability studies for 15 school walksheds each fiscal year, these initiatives are essential in identifying and addressing pedestrian behaviors, site circulation challenges, and safety concerns during school arrival and dismissal times. The comprehensive walkability studies inspect various aspects of pedestrian infrastructure, including traffic patterns, operational issues, and overall safety. Recommendations arising from these studies include a wide range of measures to promote safer pedestrian experiences. These may include traffic calming measures, installation of traffic markings, pedestrian crossings, ADA ramps, spot intersection improvements, and more. Among the latest developments in this effort are pedestrian accessibility and mobility improvements for three local schools: Roscoe Nix Elementary School, Pine Crest Elementary School, and Earle B Wood Middle School.

These projects represent a significant step forward in ensuring students, staff, and community members have safe and accessible pathways to and from school. By prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility around schools, MCDOT is not only fostering a safer environment for students and pedestrians but also contributing to the overall livability and walkability of Montgomery County communities. These ongoing efforts underscore MCDOT's commitment to creating pedestrian-friendly spaces that promote active transportation and community well-being.

Get Involved -- Become an SRTS School or Take the Safety Pledge!

By participating in the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program you are committing to the safety of students to and from school and while on school property. Complete this brief form to get started.

We collected 117 pledges at Walking Wednesday and other events last school this year. Let's double that number this year! Join us.

Pledge to be safe while walking, biking, or driving in and around Montgomery County.

You can also follow us and check out photos from events and campaigns this summer and throughout the year.

For more information, contact Duwan Morris, SRTS Program Manager, at srts@montgomerycountymd.gov