Safe Routes National Partnership releases state report cards
 Minnesota was once again ranked the third best statewide Safe Routes to School program administered by a Department of Transportation, only surpassed by Massachusetts and California. Every two years, the Safe Routes National Partnership releases state report cards to serve as a road map for states to understand areas where they are thriving and opportunities for improvement. The report cards primarily look at state policy, focusing on four key areas: Complete Streets and Active Transportation Policy and Planning, Federal and State Active Transportation Funding, Safe Routes to School Funding and Supportive Practices, and Active Neighborhoods and Schools. Minnesota Safe Routes to School scored well in many of these categories and demonstrated a need deepen our work on funding communities experiencing inequities and address school design guidelines.
Around the state, children and families are taking to the streets and trails to ride their bike or go for a long walk during the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures. Remember Bike to Anywhere Day in May? Formerly known as Bike to School Day, this at-home event provided the additional nudge for children, families and schools to encourage bike rides or walks. If you missed out, we still have our Bike Bingo card, mileage tracker, crossword and word search available for you to use this summer.
Here are some Bike to Anywhere Day photos submitted using #MNbikeday
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Every year we ask students to submit a poster depicting ‘how biking makes them feel.’ We provide curriculum for teachers to use in their classrooms orparents or caregivers to use as they reinforce bike safety in out of school efforts. View the posters and curriculum.
Here are our winners:
 *New* distance learning walking & biking curriculum for traffic safety
The Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum, which is typically taught over a few weeks in physical education classes or out of school youth programs, has been adapted to support at home learning. These lessons include both worksheets and outdoor walking and biking activities to complete virtually. These activity resources have options for how the student may complete them, depending on the equipment and technology available.
Additionally, here are some videos to share with families and students to help them walk and bike safely this summer:
Safe Routes in the news
Businesses and community members in Battle Lake are stepping up to buy bicycles and distribute them to children in need this summer. Read more on this COVID19 response to support kids getting outside this summer.
Upcoming events
August 13 10-11:00 a.m.
Join folks from across the state to learn how communities are implementing SRTS. We will share MN updates and provide space for a peer to peer exchange.
Share your story with us
What’s working in your school, district or community to get more kids walking and biking? We’d love to share your story in our next newsletter! Please email saferoutes.dot@state.mn.us with the work you are proud of and we will help you craft your story.
More about MnSRTS
Visit: http://www.mnsaferoutestoschool.org
Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaSafeRoutestoSchool/
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