Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104414

Linda B. Crider, PhD and Amanda K. Hall, MHSE. Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Florida, P.O. Box 115706, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-392-8192, safetyed@grove.ufl.edu

Safe Ways to School was a statewide two-year pilot research project administered by the Florida Traffic and Bicycle Safety Education Program. The purpose of this project was to assess and hopefully improve conditions for children to walk and bicycle safely to and from school. The significance of this project related to children's health through physical activity, providing better and safer opportunities to walk and bicycle, and the encouragement to do so, giving them back a degree of independent mobility. This was accomplished through the efforts of parents, children, teachers, principles, transportation/traffic engineers, law enforcements agencies, and student representatives. Ten pilot schools in Florida were selected. Socio-demographic factors and conditions at each school varied, as did the projects undertaken to improve walking and bicycling conditions, thereby reducing car trips and enhancing safety. Other efforts involved reducing speeds and providing a traffic education component for children, parents, and crossing guards. Survey tools combined with activities to identify problems and pose solutions were used. The principle findings from this pilot study were first steps in a long process of addressing problems seen with traffic congestion around schools, formulating teams, and fostering a positive cohesive attitude for needed change. The outcome of this pilot study was a “Tool Kit” of survey and assessment instruments as well as safety improvement strategies. The “Tool Kit,” consisting of a video and manual, serves to take what was learned from the pilot schools and share it with other schools wanting to create a Safe Ways to School program.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Learn strategies for the promotion of safe walking and bicycling to school.
• 2. Understand various survey tools and assessment techniques to analyze conditions surrounding schools and neighborhoods that effect walking and bicycling.
• 3. Learn about various “Safe Routes to School” programs around the country and available funding sources for these programs.

Keywords: Community Health Planning, School Health Educators

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.