Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a sustained effort to improve the health and wellbeing of children by helping families to feel confident walking, biking, and skating to school.
This program has two top priorities:
- Build safety improvements on neighborhood streets connecting students' homes to their school.
- Promote a culture in school communities that prioritizes safety, physical activity, and sustainable transportation.
Making Streets Safer
Santa Monica is committed to designing and constructing streets to enhance the safety of students, particularly those rolling, walking or bicycling, to and from school. We leverage local transportation funds to construct the school related infrastructure projects. Click below to learn more about upcoming school safety projects in your area.
(New) Crossing Guard Locations - Interactive Map
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Franklin Elementary Safe Routes Improvements
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Grant Elementary Safe Routes Improvements
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Edison Language Academy Safe Routes Improvements
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McKinley Elementary Safe Routes Improvements
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Lincoln Middle School Safe Routes Improvements
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John Adams and Will Rogers Safe Routes Improvements
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Roosevelt Elementary Safe Routes Improvements
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John Muir and SMASH Safe Routes Improvements
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Education Programs
Santa Monica’s Safe Routes to School Program is committed to helping families feel confident biking and walking to school by offering education and encouragement programs. See below for a list of ways you can get involved!
Please note: Due to COVID-19, many in-person activities have been suspended.
Bike Safety and Skills Workshop
We work with your schools to provide workshops that teach students the skills they need to bike safely in Santa Monica. Kids are engaged with a skills "obstacle" course that makes learning fun, hands-on, and effective.
Bike It! Walk It!
Each year schools work to encourage as many students as possible to bike, walk, skate, scoot, or ride the bus to school. Teachers participate by counting the number of kids who participate in a districtwide competition to see who can get the most. Launched in 2010, Bike It! Walk It! is now a parent-led initiative.
- Dates: Monday, May 1 - Friday, May 5, 2023
- Download Bike It! Walk It! All School Flyer
Kidical Mass
On weekends, families are invited to participate in a neighborhood bike ride led by certified bicyling instructors. Biking in groups can be a fun and safe way to practice skills on the roadway and meet other families in the community. Events usually include a fun crafting project and snacks for all.
COVID-19 Resources for Parents and Schools
Looking for a safe and healthy way to get back to school? Driving is not your only choice! You can walk, bike, or scoot to school! Remember that walking and rolling are great healthy choices, and allows you to skip long lines at drop-off and pickup. By following public health guidelines for mask wearing and social distancing, families can also form walking school bus and pedalling pods.
How to Walk, Bike & Scoot While Social Distancing (bilingual flyer)
Kiss and Walk and 3-Block Challenges
Back to School 2020: Recommendations for Safe Routes to School Programming (Safe Routes Partnership)
Resources
Pedestrian Safety Tool Kit - Equip yourself with the know-how to move through the streets safely.
Santa Monica SPOKE - Local chapter of the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC), SM Spoke aims to make Santa Monica a better place to live, bike, walk, work and play.
SMMUSD Transportation – Learn more about SMMUSD transportation policies and busing.
Riding Big Blue Bus to School – Big Blue Bus offers a safe, affordable, and convenient ride to school for K-12 students.
Starting a Walking School Bus: The Basics - Helpful, easy to follow online training module that highlights important planning tips and strategies for starting a walking school bus.
Metro School Pool – Metro can help parents at your school carpool by creating a parent carpool directory and matching parents with similar schedules.
Santa Monica Bike Campus - A safe place where people of all ages can learn how to safely ride a bike on several types of facilities and roadway types. Located south of Ocean Park Boulevard at Santa Monica Beach.