Little Jorge and Susie are going to be safer while making their way to school, thanks to a $66 million grant from Caltrans. The Safe Routes to School projects improve safety for students in grades K-8 who walk or bicycle to and from school.
“By improving safety, more children are encouraged to walk and bicycle to school, ultimately resulting in healthier children and less traffic congestion,” Acting Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said in a press release.
The city of Lompoc received $790,000 to construct sidewalks, curb ramps, and turnouts at various locations, and to provide extra traffic enforcement and education in several school zones.
The city and county of Santa Barbara received $575,000 to construct sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian islands, and safety lighting at Cleveland Elementary, Patterson Road Elementary, and Orcutt Middle School.
Caltrans works closely with a collection of representatives from transportation, health, and education agencies, as well as law enforcement and bicycle and pedestrian advocates.
School Scene is compiled by Managing Editor Amy Asman. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Oct 27 – Nov 3, 2011.
