Healthy Policies Initiative Case Example: A City-wide Safe Routes to School Plan with the City of Cudahy

The City of Cudahy (Cudahy) is a small city burdened with high rates of adult and childhood obesity and motor vehicle collisions, and did not have active transportation plans or policies.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH), through their Healthy Policies Initiative (HPI) technical assistance program, served as the project manager and outreach coordinator for a City-wide Safe Routes to School Plan (Plan) with Cudahy. DPH created a comprehensive Plan that analyzed all major intersections and streets for pedestrians and bicyclists within the city. To engage city staff and the community, DPH: (1) attended existing community events to educate and gather information; (2) formed relationships with principals and parent centers; (3) hosted bi-lingual trainings with parents to build capacity to sustain walking and bicycling programs, and; (4) created a technical advisory committee (TAC) with city staff, school district police, LA County Sheriffs, and adjacent jurisdictions to receive their expertise and buy-in on the project.

This effort resulted in a city-supported and community-driven Plan unanimously approved by city council. Additionally, a highly successful city-wide International Walk to School Day event was organized with all five public schools, city staff, and law enforcement. Cudahy leveraged DPH’s investment to garner approximately $1.5 million for active transportation implementation, and continues to work with DPH on active living projects.

Local health departments should consider investing resources in under resourced jurisdictions to develop active transportation plans and programs. Post project evaluation indicates Cudahy stakeholders have an increased understanding and support of active transportation.