A Focus on Equity
Equitable access to safe and healthy routes to schools is a key pillar of Safe Routes to Schools.
As a core value, Safe Routes to Schools strives to equitably meet the needs of all students and their families – regardless of ability or background – through a number of diverse programs, engagement opportunities, and support for using active and shared travel to and from schools.
Here are some of the programs and resources available:
Task Forces Meetings are now conducted virtually to assist those with time and distance constraints. Meetings are open to the public and can be translated into Spanish on request. Staff also works directly with schools to gather and address safety concerns if school communities are unable to attend virtual meetings.
Traffic Reduction – To reduce traffic congestion around campus for the safe arrival of EVERY student, Safe Routes encourages students to carpool, ride the bus, and to walk, bike, or roll at least part way to school if they live too far. The goal is to prioritize the safe access onto campus for ALL children who walk, bike, or roll by reducing the number of cars back up onto artillery streets from school drop off zones.
Bilingual Services/Cultural Sensitivity: A Bilingual Coordinator and Spanish speaking Lead Instructor provides outreach and communication with Latino students and families. Classes, encouragement activities, and all communications are accessible in Spanish. Programs are created with a cultural awareness and sensitivity through our on-going partnership with Principals and Family Liaisons who work directly with Latino families at schools.
Bikes for All Students in Classes: Students are encouraged to bring their own properly fitted bike and helmet to classes. However, for students who may not own a bike, Safe Routes provides quality bikes and helmets for students to borrow so they can participate in classes to learn the rules of the road.
Bike Donation Program: In partnership with Marin County Bicycle Coalition, bikes and safety education are provided to students who may not otherwise have an opportunity to own a bicycle.
Bike Helmet Program: Safe Routes works with school communities to help outfit students with helmets when needed and upon availability.
Bike Repair Program: Safe Routes enjoys a partnership with the Bay Area Bike Mobile to provide simple maintenance repairs and equipment for our constituents benefiting those who may not have access to bike repair shops. For over five years, Safe Routes has annually scheduled half a dozen student-instructed repair days at Marin Schools.
