Safe Routes to School

Applications

"Bicycling Makes Life Better" poster contest

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is collecting posters from fifth-grade students as part of a national poster contest to promote the various health benefits of bicycling. The contest, which is sponsored by Saris Cycling Group, awards top prizes such as a free bike or a trip to the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. WisDOT employees who wish to advertise the poster contest at local schools or other appropriate venues should contact Tressie Kamp. All entries must be postmarked by April 1, 2013. More information is available at www.sariscyclinggroup.com/postercontest.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS)

programs encourage children in grades K-8 to walk and bike to school by creating safer walking and biking routes. These programs were initially funded through the revised federal transportation act, SAFETEA-LU, which was signed into law on August 10, 2005. This legislation provided funding to state departments of transportation to create and administer SRTS programs. SRTS programs improve walking and biking travel options, promote healthier lifestyles in children at an early age, and decrease auto-related emissions near schools.

On December 3, 2012, Governor Walker announced approval of approximately $3,388,573 in SRTS awards, which will assist 17 Wisconsin communities with Safe Routes to School projects in 2013. Of the 17 projects, five are for planning purposes, while 12 are for infrastructure and non-infrastructure improvements to support existing Safe Routes to School programs.

SAFETEA-LU was recently revised by Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), the federal transportation act that was signed into law on July 6, 2012. MAP-21 provisions took effect on October 1, 2012. SRTS programs remain eligible for federal funding pursuant to MAP-21. MAP-21 integrates SRTS-type projects into the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP); a more comprehensive funding category. Separate funding and administration of SRTS programs is not a component of MAP-21 legislation.

Please see Section B of Federal Highway Administration interim guidance for a list of categories that are eligible for TAP funding.

Training for SRTS infrastructure projects

Beginning with the projects awarded in 2010, local sponsors constructing projects requiring a Local Let Contract (LLC) must attend a one-day training session. The training session instructs sponsors on the local letting process and results in certification to administer and deliver these projects. The updated Sponsor's Guide (September 2012) and the Certification form are available below. The fourth document provides clarification on frequently asked questions regarding the certification process.

Certification sessions are scheduled in March 2013 for WisDOT SRTS 2013 infrastructure and non-infrastructure award recipients. Please use the contact information below to obtain information on training dates and locations.

Contact

Tressie Kamp
tressie.kamp@dot.wi.gov
Phone: (608) 266-3973
Fax: (608) 266-0658

All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

You will need Microsoft Word to view Word files. If you do not have a copy of Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can use the Microsoft Word Viewer (provided free of charge) to view Word files. For more information about getting your free copy of Microsoft Word Viewer, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Questions about the content of this page:
Tressie Kamp, tressie.kamp@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: February 8, 2013

Safe Routes to School logo

Related information:

WisDOT Transportation Alternatives Program Fact Sheet

National Transportation Alternatives Clearinghouse

Funding for bicycle and pedestrian facilities

Pedestrian safety

Bicycle safety