Minnesota's Safe Routes to School Program strives to improve safety, reduce traffic and improve air quality near schools through a multidisciplinary approach that is structured around the 6 E’s (Equity, Evaluation, Education, Encouragement, Engagement and Engineering). Working with youth in Minnestoa to safety, confidently, and conveniently walk, bike, and roll to school and daily life. 

Locations Served: Entire State

Address: 395 John Ireland Blvd, St. Paul, MN, 55155, USA

Contact: Kelly Corbin

Email: saferoutes.dot@state.mn.us 

Types of Resources Offered: Training, Connections/Network, Materials Equipment or Products, Funding/Grants

Cost to the School for Resources Offered: Free

Best Practices Areas for Assistance: 

0.     Organizational Leadership

• 0.4 Equity and Diversity: District/School proactively plans for equitable and diverse participation in the program and projects

1.     Reduced Environmental Impact and Costs

• 1.1 Energy Efficiency: The District/School has very little wasted energy. 

• 1.9 Commuting Efficiency: Many students and staff walk, bike, carpool, or bus to school.

• 1.10 Transportation Efficiency: District/School has efficient transportation use and reduces its environmental impacts.

2.     Improved Health and Wellness

• 2.5 Physical Activity: Students have ample physical education or outdoor time during each school day.

• 2.9 Health Resources and Planning: District/School has health resources (e.g., a nurse or health aid) and has an overall health plan that includes mental health, positive school climate, inclusivity, equity, and safety.

3.     Effective Environmental and Sustainability Education

• 3.3 Outdoor Learning: Outdoor learning experiences are provided.

• 3.4 Teacher Training: Environmental education training is offered to teachers.

• 3.7 Community Partnerships: The district/school partners with community organizations to advance green school achievement.

Additional details:

The Minnesota Safe Routes to School (MnSRTS) program is a community resource aimed at increasing awareness of and participation in walking and biking to school. It is available to anyone looking to enhance local programs.

Key goals for the program include building local capacity, coordinating statewide implementation, increasing awareness, developing supportive policies and design guidelines, measuring progress, and innovating program development. MnSRTS combines efforts from multiple state agencies, national, and local partners to support walking and biking to school. The SRTS Steering Committee includes representatives from cities, counties, non-profits, educators, and health professionals.

• MnDOT SRTS Home page: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/saferoutes/index.html

• MN Safe Routes to School Resource Center: https://mnsaferoutestoschool.org/

• Education: https://www.walkbikefun.org/

• https://www.walkbikefun.org/