California

California SRTS State Network California is one of twenty jurisdictions participating in the SRTS National Partnership Network Project.

California Safe Routes To School Programs Managed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California administers two separate Programs: the State-legislated SR2S Program and the federally-legislated SRTS Program. For information on the two Safe Routes to School funding Programs and contact information, go to: www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/saferoutes/saferoutes.htm.

Also the California Safe Routes to School Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC) assists local communities with creating Safe Routes to School programs by providing targeted trainings and resources to implement safe and successful strategies throughout the State. For more information go to: www.caactivecommunities.org/safe_routes.html

California Partner Affiliates
Find out which organizations in your state have pledged their support as partner affiliates of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.

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In the News  |  Success Stories and Best Practices
Other Statewide and Regional Programs  |  Legislation and Policies

California SRTS State Network

California is one of the twenty jurisdictions participating in the SRTS National Partnership State Network Project. This initiative creates state networks that bring together advocacy groups, public agencies, nonprofits, and other leaders. Stay connected with the California work through our Safe Routes to School in California blog. On the blog you can sign up to be on our mailing lists – get involved! California also has a SRTS Regional Network Project in Southern California.

California State Network Policy Achievements:

This promotional piece highlights California's state network policy achievements.

California State Network Partners

Alameda County Public Works
Alameda County Safe Routes to Schools Partnership
Alara Advocacy Foundation
Alta Planning and Design
Bike Bakersfield
Butte County, Department of Public Health
California Department of Public Health, TARC
California Bicycle Coalition
California Department of Education
California Medical Association Foundation
California Office of Traffic Safety
California Parent and Teachers Association
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
California School Board Association
California Strategic Growth Council
California Walks
California, Office of Planning and Research
CalPED
Senior Action Network: SF WALKS
Caltrans, Division of Legislative and Local Government Affairs
Caltrans, Native American Liaison Branch
Caltrans, Safe Routes to School Coordinator
Caltrans, Transportation System Information
Chico Velo Cycling Club
Children Now
Cities, Counties, and Schools Partnership
City of San Jose, Department of Transportation
City of Santa Clarita, Department of Transportation
Climate Plan
Coalition for Sustainable Transportation
County of San Diego, Department of Public Health
County of Sonoma, Department of Health Services
Ecology Action
Global Green
Go Bike USA
KENDALL PLANNING + DESIGN
Kern County Network for Children
Local Government Commission
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition
Los Angeles County, Department of Public Health
Marin County Bicycle Coalition
Marin County Safe Routes to Schools
Mercy San Juan Medical Center
Policy Link
Prevention Institute
R.D. White Elementary - Safety Committee
Rady Children's Hospital, Safe Kids San Diego
Riverside County Department of Public Health, Injury Prevention Services
Office of Assemblymember V. Manuel Pérez
Ryan Snyder and Associates
Sacramento Area Council of Governments
Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD
Safe Kids Greater Sacramento
Safe Transportation Research & Education Center
San Francisco Department of Public Health
Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency - Public Health Department
Solana Transportation Authority
Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition
Southern California Association of Governments
Sustainable Streets
Transform
Transportation for America
Tulare County RMA
UC-Berkeley Department of City and Regional Planning
Ventura County Air Pollution Control District
Walk Sacramento
Walk San Diego
Walk San Francisco
Youth Educational Sports, Inc.

California SRTS Programs

California’s Safe Routes to School program is managed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

California SRTS Federal Funding

California’s SRTS federal funding from FY2005-2010 totals $91,760,341 and includes the following annual apportionments:

Applications, Guidelines & Project Awards

State SR2S Funds

The last round of State Safe Routes to School funds were awarded in Fall 2010. $24.25M in SR2S funds were allocated in the 2010/2011 state fiscal year budget. The approved list of selected projects of Cycles 1 to 9 can be viewed here.

These funds are not to be confused with Federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funds associated with SAFETEA-LU. Applications must be for capital projects such as sidewalks, pathways, bike lanes, traffic calming, etc. (with up to 10% available for non-infrastructure activities such as education, encouragement and enforcement). Only cities and counties are eligible to compete for these funds. Please spread the word to Public Works Officials.

To view the updated SR2S Guidelines and Application, please visit: www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/saferoutes/sr2s.htm

Federal SRTS Funds

In October 2011, Caltrans awarded $66 million to cities, counties, and regional agencies for 139 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) projects to improve safety for students in grades K-8 who walk and bicycle to and from school. Since its inception in 2005, Caltrans has awarded $156 million for 356 SRTS projects.

Caltrans announced the Cycle 3 Federal SRTS "Call for Projects" in April 2011, targeting $42 million in federal funds available in the current 2011 Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP). Cities, Counties, Regional Transportation Agencies, and Native American Tribes can apply for funds directly. School Districts, County Public Health Agencies, Non-profits, and others may partner with the transportation agencies to apply for funding. There are two separate applications for infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects with a maximum of $1M for infrastructure and $500,000 for non-infrastructure projects.

State Advisory Committee

The California Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee reports to Caltrans and was originally established to oversee the California program that launched in 2000. The current advisory committee includes representatives from: the California Department of Education, the California Department of Public Health, the California Highway Patrol, cities, counties, advocacy organizations, (including the National Partnership), and key Caltrans staff.

The Advisory Committee meets on an as-needed basis and was recently reconvened to meet in December 2010 and February 2011.

State Outreach Programs

California Safe Routes to School Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC) assists local communities with creating Safe Routes to School programs by providing targeted trainings and resources to implement safe and successful strategies throughout the State.

Evaluation Methods

In Cycle 1 a “Before/After Study Report” form is sent to the grantee at the time of award. This report asks for a number and percentage count of existing (before) and increased (after) bicycling and walking and should be submitted after the project is completed. In Cycle 2 grantees must electronically complete and submit the Student Tally form and the Parent Survey developed by the National Center for SRTS. The tally and survey must be completed within two months prior to project implementation during the regular school year, and two months after implementation and sent in hard copy to the National Center for SRTS. TARC (CDPH) will be evaluating the data that has been collected for cycle 1 and 2.

Caltrans completed a survey of Federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grantees, which was developed by Cities Counties Schools (CCS) Partnership. The survey consists of Cycles 1 and 2 grantee perspectives on their experience of the planning, application, and implementation phases. Caltrans and TARC staff reviewed and contributed to the survey questions. Read more about this project here.

In the News

California Moving on SRTS, Climate and More

The CA SRTS Network takes a comprehensive approach to policy change

California is one of 20 states participating in our Safe Routes to School State Network Project, which is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Kaiser Permanente. The network has been working to leverage additional funding and change policies to benefit SRTS in the following ways:

State SR2S Program:
California led the way towards launching the SRTS national movement in 1999 when state legislation began to allocate one-third of all federal safety funds to the SR2S program. After several legislation updates, California law now requires Caltrans to allocate $24.25 million each year from the State Highway Account Fund for infrastructure improvements around schools. On October 2010 Caltrans announced the results of Cycle 9. Go to http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms/saferoutes/sr2s.htm to see the list of projects.

Highway Safety Improvement Program Funds:
The California state network worked with Caltrans and UC Berkeley to develop a safety index which measures bike/ped crash risks – so as to make more of this money available for safety improvements that support active transportation. There was a call for applications for safety improvement projects for $70 million, due in December 2010. View the awarded project list here.

Transportation Equity:
In February, Governor Schwarzenegger announced that as part of his childhood obesity initiative, he would focus on SRTS and serving low-income communities. He directed Caltrans to do an analysis of past SRTS grants, to see how the funds are being distributed throughout the state. The network has been working with the CA Department of Public Health’s California Active Communities department, which received a $4M grant from Caltrans to create the Safe Routes to School Technical Assistance Resource Center. The resource center provides technical assistance to communities throughout the state working on SRTS projects, with a commitment to serving low-income communities. The findings of the report can be viewed here.

Complete Streets:
The 2008 CA law AB1358 (Complete Streets Act) took effect on January 1, 2011, requiring all city and county General Plan updates to include a policy on complete streets as part of the circulation element of the General Plan. The State Office of Planning and Research issued the guidance to cities and counties for implementation.

Climate Change:
As the first state to enact climate change legislation (AB32 and SB375), California has been a learning ground for how to better coordinate land use and transportation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The network has been working with ClimatePlan and other partners to support the California Air Resources Board and the state’s 18 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO’s) in developing ambitious and achievable targets for greenhouse gas reduction. This work will result in more walkable/bikeable communities, and impact future climate policy for the nation and in other states.

Regional Efforts:
The Southern California Regional SRTS network started in January 2010 with funding from Kaiser Permanente. This network is focusing on policy change for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) region of 190 cities and 18 million people. The network has developed an exciting Regional Platform to advance Safe Routes to School, complete streets, a Regional Bike Network and improved planning, data collection and evaluation for bike/ped facilities and programs.

For more information on state DOT efforts for Safe Routes to School in California, see Caltrans’ webpage. To join the southern California or state networks, contact Jessica Meaney, California Policy Manager for the National Partnership, who is based in Los Angeles.

Success Stories and Best Practices

Alameda County, CA

Alameda County, CA passed a transportation sales tax measure that funds SRTS programs –both for engineering improvements that make it safer to walk and bicycle to and from school and for encouragement and education activities that promote walking and bicycling. This is a great example of a local county group leveraging additional money for SRTS. Alameda County has also been successful developing partnerships between schools and law enforcement, health departments, public works, neighborhood associations, community organizations and advocacy groups. These partnerships can help engage organizations and businesses in removing the barriers that keep students from safely walking and bicycling to school.

Marin County, CA: Local Funding Model

The Transportation Authority of Marin’s Safe Routes to Schools (SR2S) program is currently in 43 schools in Marin County, California, serving 18,000 students including almost all public elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, as well as a few private schools. There are teams in each school run by either parents or students, with a teacher advisor who organizes encouragement programs. Trained instructors teach pedestrian and bicycle safety curriculum as well as health and environmental lessons.

In November of 2004, Marin County voters passed Measure A, a 20-year transportation sales tax that included 11% of the funding, or $36 million for Marin’s Safe Routes to School program. This local funding allows the County to serve all grade levels, including high school.

Riverside County

Riverside County Department of Public Health Injury Prevention Services received Safe Routes to School Cycle 1 funds to provide pedestrian and bicycle education and encouragement activities at schools in the city of Riverside. The program selected elementary schools with the highest injury and fatality rates among children ages 5-15. Many of these schools are considered low-income, with 75 percent of the student population eligible for free and reduced meals. We profiled this best practice on our blog, view the complete story here.

Southeastern San Diego

The Center for Healthier Communities at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego was awarded Federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Funding to support walking and bicycling to schools district wide – at 26 elementary schools – in Southeastern San Diego. The program is currently in the process of identifying 6 schools in the District with the highest need. These schools will be selected based on collision rates, low walking and biking rates, and overall need. These 6 schools will engage in comprehensive Safe Routes to School activities – the remaining 20 schools will receive technical support and resources – but not at the concentrated levels as the 6 other schools. We profiled this best practice on our blog, view the complete story here.

Other Statewide and Regional Programs and Resources

California Active Communities

California Active Communities Launches Safe Routes to School Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC)
The California Safe Routes to School Technical Assistance Resource Center (TARC) assists local communities with creating Safe Routes to School programs by providing targeted trainings and resources to implement safe and successful strategies throughout the State. In partnership with the University of California, San Francisco, TARC is led by California Active Communities within the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). TARC is supported by a federal SRTS grant through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).

New Resources for California Schools

New resources from the California School Boards Association (CSBA) and California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition) (CPL) to assist school districts and County Offices of Education with developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating physical activity and physical education programs and policies. All of these resources can be found under “Physical Education/Physical Activity” at www.csba.org/pab.aspx.

• Physical Activity and Physical Education in California Schools: A Survey of District/County Offices of Education Practices and Perceptions. This research brief developed by CSBA and CPL summarizes key results from a confidential online survey given to California school board members on "Physical Activity and Physical Education in California Schools." Based on the survey results, this brief highlights actions school districts/COEs can take to support physical activity and physical education.
• Safe Routes to School: Program and Policy Strategies. This policy brief developed by CSBA and CPL provides information about the Safe Routes to School Program and how school districts/COEs can engage in policy and program strategies to increase active transportation to and from school.
• BP/AR 5142.2- Safe Routes to School Program. CSBA developed this sample board policy and administrative regulation to support school districts in developing new and strengthening existing policy around the Safe Routes to School Program.

California Health Interview Survey (CHIS)

CHIS is a comprehensive source of health information in California. CHIS data are used by legislators, policy makers, local health departments, state agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, foundations, researchers, and many others.

Legislation and Policies

AB 321 - Helps reduce school zone traffic speeds

On January 1, 2008, a new law took effect that will help bring down traffic speeds in school zones. This law, authored by Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara), enables local government to extend school zones to 1000 feet and reduce the speed limit within 500 feet of a school site to 15 mph at schools that are located in residential areas, or on highways with a speed limit of 30 mph or less.

At 15 mph, most pedestrians will survive a crash, often sustaining only minor injuries. Yet minor increases in impact speed have a profound effect on crash severity. At 20 mph, most pedestrian crashes result in serious injury, and almost half are fatal. At 40 mph, 90% of crashes are fatal. Reducing traffic speeds will enable more children to walk or bike to school safely.

This law is voluntary. In order to benefit from it, parents and school administrators need to go to their city councils, or county boards of supervisors, if living outside city limits, and ask them to enact this law at qualifying schools.

The following cities/counties/schools have adopted AB 321: City of Goleta, Santa Barbara County, Taylor School and Alvin School in Santa Maria, Lompoc, Buena Park and Casmalia. If you know of other cities that have adopted AB 321, please let email jessica@saferoutespartnership.org.

AB 321 Text
California MUTCD – adopted January 2010, see Part 7, pages 7B-5 under Extended and/or Reduced Speeds in School Zones
City of Goleta Sample Resolution - Part 1
City of Goleta Sample Resolution - Part 2
Guide for Parents and Government Staff on How to Implement AB 321

SB 375 - Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

California Senate Bill 375 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing financial and environmental review incentives to reduce sprawl and promote development patterns that give people transportation options so they can drive less. Click here to view a fact sheet with more information on SB 375. Many think Southern California faces the toughest challenges and potentially most rewarding outcomes under SB 375. In order to address this challenge and opportunity, The Safe Routes to School National Partnership launched a regional network in Southern California, covering the 6 counties that fall under the jurisdiction of the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). SCAG, the region’s voluntary council of city and county officials, will develop a regional consensus in response to this new law and its implementation through the development of Sustainable Community Strategies (SCS). To become involved in this network and learn more about these efforts, please contact SRTSNP California Policy Manager Jessica Meaney.

Federal Transportation Bill Reauthorization

In February 2010, Safe Routes to School National Partnership participated in the US DOT Reauthorization Town Hall in Los Angeles. Director Deb Hubsmith was asked to be a panelist at one of the afternoon breakout sessions, to read her comments please click here. In February 2011, the National Partnership also submitted comments to a congressional hearing session, held in Los Angeles, regarding the Federal Transportation bill.