Vermont

Vermont SRTS Program

Managed by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), Vermont’s federally funded Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is the source for state coordinator contact details, federal SRTS funding amounts, SRTS applications and guidelines, and state SRTS program information.

Quick Links

Vermont SRTS Federal Funding  |  Application Guidelines
State Advisory Committee  |  State Outreach Programs
Evaluation Methods  |  Other Statewide and Regional Programs
Vermont Partner Affiliates

Vermont SRTS Federal Funding

Vermont’s SRTS funding from FY2005-2009* totals $4,990,000 and includes the following annual apportionments:

* Funding for SRTS is being continued into FY2010 and FY2011 at FY2009 levels.

Application Guidelines

Vermont’s most recent round of funding for infrastructure projects was awarded in June 2010. Competition for funding was stiff, as VTrans received 31 applications for a total request of $2.8 million. The Agency was able to provide $1.3 million that will aid 19 schools. Awards were granted to safety projects that include sidewalks, improved crossings, school zone signs, and traffic calming.

Vermont has a phased program with separate application processes for infrastructure. Beginning in the fall of 2011, schools can now sign up for the non-infrastructure program. Vermont recently has made created a Resource Center to support every school and community in Vermont interested in SRTS programs. The Resource Center is a one-stop shop for schools to find out about SRTS, get practical advice and information on training and funding opportunities, and learn about available resources in their region to help make walking and bicycling popular choices for kids traveling to and from school. The Resource Center has dedicated staff, including a full-time outreach manager, who will provide tailored assistance to SRTS school teams.

The Resource Center offers a tiered partnership program that allows schools to adopt activities that make the most sense for their unique circumstances, on a timeframe that suits them. The services provided by the Center and the outreach manager’s interactions with schools will be aimed toward building each school’s capacity to sustain SRTS and institutionalize the SRTS culture.

The SRTS Resource Center will reinforce the connection between SRTS and on-going initiatives in Vermont, such as Safe Streets or Fit and Healthy Kids, to increase physical activity, reduce emissions, and make walking and biking a safe and convenient travel option. The Resource Center will work with programs in other agencies like the Department of Education and the Department of Health, as well as the Regional Planning Commissions and Initiatives to connect schools with complementary programs.

State Advisory Committee

The Vermont SRTS Task Force was formed in March 2006 to serve in an advisory role to VTrans. The task force assists in the development and implementation of the Vermont SRTS program and provides collaborative opportunities through its representative organizations.

The task force meets two to four times annually and is comprised of representatives from: Vermont Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Governor’s Highway Safety Council/Law Enforcement, school/supervisory union, parents, regional planning commission, Vermont Department of Health’s Physical Activity Coordinator, Vermont Department of Education, American Heart Association, a statewide land use planning organization (e.g. Vermont Forum on Sprawl), and statewide bicycle and pedestrian organization.

State Outreach Programs

Vermont has hired an organization to develop pedestrian and bicycle safety education curriculum and to train individuals who will conduct bicycle and pedestrian safety education workshops at all SRTS schools. This effort is being led by the Center for Health and Learning, a Brattleboro, Vermont-based health and education consultant.

Evaluation Methods

Vermont required all participating schools to use the National Center for Safe Routes to School Student Arrival and Departure Talley Sheet and Parent Survey.

Other Statewide and Regional Programs

The Vermont program is being coordinated with other statewide initiatives such as the VT Department of Health Obesity Prevention Plan and the Fit and Healthy Kids program.

The Chittenden County SRTS pilot program was conducted from 2004-2006 with support from the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization [http://www.ccmpo.org/SR2S/] and VTrans.

Vermont Partner Affiliates

Find out which organizations in your state have pledged their support for the Safe Routes to School movement.