National Center offers free online training for local Safe Routes to School programs

CHAPEL HILL, NC — The National Center for Safe Routes to School has released a free, Web-based version of its Skills for Local Safe Routes to School Program Development training. The training focuses on key steps to comprehensive Safe Routes to School planning, specifically addressing process issues critical to creating a solid framework on which to build a successful program.

The Web-based version of this training allows the user to access and view the training modules at any time. Create an account to begin the training.

“Based on input from local Safe Routes to School program coordinators as well as State Coordinators, we know that time and resources can limit the ability to travel to an on-site training,” said Nancy Pullen-Seufert, program manager with the National Center. “This Web-based training is a response to help meet that need.”

The seven modules of the training include:

  • Welcome: General overview of the training.
  • Making the Case for SRTS: General overview of Safe Routes to School programs, why they are important, and a review of the five E's that make up a comprehensive SRTS program.
  • Getting Started: Get help with finding SRTS taskforce members, working with key stakeholders, building an SRTS Taskforce, planning a kick off meeting, and finding solutions for common barriers.
  • Gathering Information: This module will instruct you on gathering information to help put together a local SRTS action plan.
  • Developing an Action Plan: This module will take the information you gathered from Module 4 and help you to develop a SRTS Action Plan.
  • Sustainability and Evaluation: Program sustainability is vital to the ultimate success of your program. Evaluation efforts are important for long-term sustainability.
  • Finish the Training: Select this module to complete the training.

The Center offers additional training options, including an on-site version of the Skills for Local Safe Routes to School Program Development training. For more information on training, please visit the Training Section of our Web site.

The National Center for Safe Routes to School assists communities in enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bike to school. Established in May 2006, the Center strives to equip Safe Routes to School programs with the knowledge and technical information to implement safe and successful strategies. The Center is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. For more information, please visit www.saferoutesinfo.org.

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