01473329

Component

This paper presents a case study evaluation of days designated for walking and bicycling as part of a Safe Routes to School program. The case study examines two elementary schools in Moscow, Idaho that annually participate in two designated days for walking and bicycling, “International Walk to School Day” in the fall and “Fill the Racks!” in the spring. Students walking or bicycling to school were counted before and after the events. For comparison, counts were also observed at a nearby school not involved with the Safe Routes to School program. Count data was collected for eight days. Furthermore, 45 students and 17 parents were surveyed. Five parents and four community leaders were interviewed. The count data showed a significant increase in students using active travel modes on the day of the event and a few weeks later. The interviews and surveys showed, among other things, there is strong support for the special events and most parents felt the designated days increased their child’s motivation to walk to school. Many parents said the spring event prompted their child to return to walking to school after the cold winter months. Policy implications and other lessons learned are provided.

This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ANB10(6) School Transportation.

01470560

13-1558

English

15p

2013

Transportation Research Board 92nd Annual Meeting

Digital/other

Figures; References; Tables

Bicycling; Elementary school students; Pedestrian safety; Safety programs; School trips; Special events; Walking

Safe Routes to School (Program)

Bicycle safety

Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Safety and Human Factors; I80: Accident Studies

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2013 Paper #13-1558

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Feb 5 2013 12:23PM