The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) team had a blast meeting so many of you this summer. As temperatures cool and we return to school, more exciting events are planned! Also, check out the Safe Routes to School's walking and biking safety tips.

Invite Us to Your Back-to-School Events

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

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

Mark Your Calendars for Walk & Roll to School Day

Coming Soon... Walking Wednesdays

The SRTS Team held 26 Walking Wednesday events at County elementary and middle schools last year. Walking Wednesday events start in October 2024. Interested schools may sign-up for a Walking Wednesday event starting, October 8th.

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

"We truly appreciated having the Department of Transportation team come to our school and help raise this awareness with our school community in such a fun and memorable way! Although we couldn’t be outside due to the cold weather, the event was still a big hit indoors!"

-- Matt Hawkins, Principal, Viers Mill Elementary School

Learn more on the SRTS website. Beginning October 8th, request an event by selecting an open date from October 2024 through June 2025 on the online form.

Walkability Study

MCDOT conducts walkability studies for 15 school walksheds each fiscal year to understand pedestrian safety and accessibility better. These comprehensive studies are crucial in determining and addressing pedestrian behaviors, site circulation challenges, and safety concerns during school arrival and dismissal times.

MCDOT wants to hear from you. This year's walkability studies are being developed. Please select this link, and if your child attends one of the 15 schools listed on the webpage, please fill out the survey. This survey will help MCDOT understand parents' and students' safety needs and concerns as they walk, roll, bike, or scooter to school.

MCDOT will attend back-to-school events to promote the walkability studies. Photos from some of the schools, the SRTS Team has attended so far, are listed below:

Sargent Shriver ES Back to School Picnic 2024

Fox Chapel ES Back to School Night

Back to School Night - Woodlin Elementary School

Back to School Picnic - Highland Elementary School

Back to School Night - Snowden Farm Elementary School

Back to School Night - Clarksburg High School

Safety Improvements

During the summer of 2024, the SRTS program added safe crossing infrastructure, such as crosswalks, median refuge islands, curb ramps, and signage at Dr. Sally K. Ride, Judith Resnik, Captain James E. Daly, Pinecrest Elementary, Herbert Hoover Middle School, Earl B. Wood Middle School, and Francis S. Key Middle School. A flashing beacon and crosswalk at Montgomery St. and Brookville Road were added to provide a safe crossing space for students and parents walking to Woodlin Elementary School. Pictures of these improvements are shown below.

For more information about these projects and the broader SRTS initiative, visit the MCDOT website or contact the department directly. 

Judith Resnik Elementary School

Captain James E. Daly Elementary School

Herbert Hoover Middle School

Earl B. Wood Middle School

Dr. Sally K Ride Elementary

Pinecrest Elementary School

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

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

The SRTS Team and MCDOT collected 117 pledges during Walking Wednesdays and other events during the 2023 school year. MCDOT's goal is to double that number in 2024. Please join us!

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

MCDOT saw more than 28,000 of you at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair! Our team was there both night and day. While our tent provided useful information and fun giveaways that helped our residents learn more about traveling safely, we are already getting excited for 2025!

Please select this link to view photos from the 2024 County Ag Fair

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