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:

  1. Build safety improvements on neighborhood streets connecting students' homes to their school. 
  2. Promote a culture in school communities that prioritizes safety, physical activity, and sustainable transportation.
Through these efforts, students in Santa Monica will have the resources to move safely through their hometown, connect with their environment, and practice living sustainably. For more information or to become involved, please contact the City Staff listed on this page. 

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. 

Card image cap

(New) Crossing Guard Locations - Interactive Map

Learn More
Card image cap

Franklin Elementary Safe Routes Improvements

Learn More
Card image cap

Grant Elementary Safe Routes Improvements

Learn More

 

Card image cap

Edison Language Academy Safe Routes Improvements

Learn More
Card image cap

McKinley Elementary Safe Routes Improvements

Learn More
Card image cap

Lincoln Middle School Safe Routes Improvements

Learn More

 

Card image cap

John Adams and Will Rogers Safe Routes Improvements

Learn More
Card image cap

Roosevelt Elementary Safe Routes Improvements

Learn More
Card image cap

John Muir and SMASH Safe Routes Improvements

Learn More

 

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.

 

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)

Walking School Buses

PedPods and PedalPods

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.