Safe Routes to School Newsletter 🚌

August 2023 • View as Webpage

Back to School

We are so excited to share some updates from this Summer and what we have planned for Fall as we get ready to head back to school.

MCDOT will be visiting schools and other events in the community to share the importance of walking and biking safely to school. 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.

Invite Us to Your Back-to-School Events

The SRTS team loves to attend back-to-school events! Invite us to your picnics, BBQs, club fairs, and health and wellness fairs.

If you'd like us to attend an event, submit this brief form with the details.

See photos from some of the 2022 events.

Captain James Daly ES - Open House | Flickr

Weller Road ES - Back to School Night | Flickr

Wheaton Woods ES - Back to School Fair 2022 | Flickr

Mark Your Calendars for Walk to School Day

Walk to School Day will be Wednesday, October 4 this year. Last year, we celebrated with Wheaton Woods Elementary School in Rockville. Lots of visitors attended including our favorite safety mascot, Zeal. Students and school staff enjoyed the festivities and learned important safety tips.

"I've repeatedly reflected on the energy, importance, and impact of the event. My students, staff, families, and community members are still smiling and talking about it! The indelible mark SRTS has left upon our memory banks and spirits will forever be embedded."

-- Elizabeth Collins, Principal, Wheaton Woods Elementary School

Save the Date -- Stay tuned for details on where we will celebrate this year.

See photos from the 2022 event >>

Walking Wednesdays Coming Soon

We held 30 Walking Wednesday events at County elementary and middle schools last year and will be back again this year starting in October. Sign-up for a date starting, September 6th.

These events are held before school to encourage students to walk safely to and from school while having fun.

"The students had a wonderful time and our school community was reminded of the significance of having safe routes to school."

-- Zoraida Brown, Principal, Shriver Elementary School

You can learn more on our website. Starting September 6th, request an event by selecting an open date starting in October on the online registration form so your school can participate in this fun and educational event.

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.

Record Numbers at the County Ag Fair

We saw 23,000 of you at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair! We were there night and day. Our tent had a lot of useful information and fun giveaways that help our residents learn more about how to travel safely. We are already getting excited for next year!

Summer Outreach Recap

In addition to the County Fair, we visited many events around the county this summer and posted photos on Flickr.

See photos of some recent events:

Summer Fest 2023 | Flickr (Gaithersburg)

Ped Safety Outreach- Clarksburg Premium Outlets | Flickr

Ped Safety Outreach - Silver Spring Summer Concert. | Flickr

Takoma Park Farmers Market | Flickr

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

Walkability Studies

A walkability study investigates the condition of existing infrastructure and proposes improvements to provide safe and accessible routes for students walking and biking to school. The study for each school is conducted within the entire "walking area" as designated by Montgomery County Public Schools. Areas within one (1) mile of the school are considered walking areas for elementary school students, and 1.5 miles and 2.0 miles for middle and high schools.

The walkability studies summarize observations related to existing conditions, identify safety hazards and infrastructure deficiencies, and provide recommendations for improving the safety of those walking and rolling to and from school. Recommendations range from minor signing and pavement marking improvements to constructing intersection improvements and adding new sidewalks with missing sidewalk areas in the network to provide safe and accessible pathways for all students.

Learn more about these studies.

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