Around the country, there is a revolutionary type of project afoot: Demonstration Projects. These projects are short-term, low-cost and highly flexible ways to test and experience potential design solutions that improve walking and bicycling safety near schools. It is a way to start small, but learn big while engaging with the community around the benefits of pedestrian and bicycle safety projects. Pairing demonstration projects with Safe Routes to School is a natural fit. It provides, the opportunity for communities with SRTS plans to test ideas, inspire action, build support and widen public engagement.
Over the past year, MnSRTS has supported the development of an implementation guide to provide communities with the tools they need to develop demonstration projects locally. We recently piloted this guidance with a project in Kasson, MN. Kasson’s Safe Routes to School team applied the recommendations in Kasson’s newly developed SRTS plan to draft a demonstration project concept that improved visibility, decreased the crossing distance for people walking and biking and decreased the travel lane to reduce speeds. It also improved yielding rates for elementary, middle and high school students crossing a large roadway. A full evaluation of the impacts of the pilot project is expected this fall.
If you are wondering how a demonstration project might work for your community, you may have the opportunity to try one out yourself! This fall MnSRTS will release the demonstration project implementation guide and provide funding and technical support to communities interested in implementing their own Safe Routes to School Demonstration projects. Stay tuned!
SRTS Statewide Meet-Up Recap
It was a windy day in May when more than 60 professions from across the state gathered in Hutchinson for the day long Safe Routes Meet-Up. The day was full of discussions, networking, and sharing success stories. Keynote speaker Jessica Roberts shared new research that can help SRTS practitioners be more successful with mode shift for parents and improve safety for children walking and bicycling. The evaluation results highlighted the time spent together was worthwhile so we’ve begun planning an event for 2020.
“I really enjoyed meeting all the people and feeling like we are part of something bigger than just ourselves.” – Meet-Up Attendee
Safe Routes Local Coordinator Grant Awardees Announced
Six Minnesota public school districts will benefit from more than $1 million in Safe Routes to Schools local coordinator funding grants to help promote safe walking and bicycling education in those schools.
Grant recipients include Saint Paul Public Schools, South Saint Paul Public Schools, Grand Rapids Public Schools, New Ulm Public Schools, Richfield Public Schools and Rochester Public Schools.
The funding will allow the school districts to launch a three year effort with MnDOT to support the Safe Routes to School programming. Districts can use the funds to hire staff, convene a team, prioritize strategies and implement solutions that fit their local need. Local coordinators will develop encouragement events, train crossing guards and student patrols and increase walking and bicycling education in schools.
Read the full press release.
Upcoming Events
July 11, 10-11:00 a.m. – MN SRTS Network Call
Share and learn with whose working on SRTS from across Minnesota.
To join the Minnesota Safe Routes to School Network, email center.communications@bluecrossmn.com
More about MnSRTS
Visit: http://www.mnsaferoutestoschool.org
Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaSafeRoutestoSchool/
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