The New Jersey Safe Routes to School Program is a statewide initiative to prioritize and implement opportunities for people to walk, bike, or travel by other wheeled devices. By focusing on improvements to support active travel by youth, we believe we can create conditions that are safe, healthy, equitable, for all.
KMM offers a comprehensive Safe Routes to School outreach and education program in Middlesex County. We deliver walking and biking safety education programs to K-12 students, and organize events and contests that encourage walking and bicycling. In addition, KMM can develop a School Travel Plan to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety around school zones. This School Travel Plan is a blueprint for making improvements over time – and enables towns and schools to apply for grants from the NJ Department of Transportation, Sustainable Jersey, and other Technical Assistance grants. KMM’s Safe Routes to School Program is free to Middlesex County school districts and municipalities, and is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Transportation with funding from the Federal Highway Administration.
Walk and Bike to School Events
Walk and bike events, like International Walk to School Day in October, are a great way to introduce an SRTS program and get families excited about walking to school. KMM works with organizers to plan the event, map a suitable route and provide support materials.
3rd Grade and 5th Grade Bookmark Contest
As part of KMM’s Safe Routes to School program, KMM hosts an annual bookmark contest for 3rd and 5th graders. Given a theme, students are asked to create a bookmark. CLICK HERE to see the 2024 3rd grade book mark contest winners!
The 2023 3rd grade bookmark contest winners have been announced! Click here to see the winning bookmarks.
Walk Safety Assembly
Crossing the street, traffic signals, crosswalks, and more are covered in this 45-minute interactive program ideal for first and second graders. The presentation uses slides and short videos. Giveaways include bookmarks, stickers, and glow-in-the-dark bracelets
Bike Safety Presentation
KMM presents a 20-minute program on bike safety including helmet use and fitting, basic traffic rules, and parts of the bicycle. Ideal for grades 4-6.
Bike Rodeo
This bike skills course helps students learn the basics of safe bicycling on a fun off-road course. Rodeos can be run during school, at an after-school program, at a summer camp, or during a community festival. KMM will plan your bike rodeo, layout a safety course, direct the event, and train volunteer.
Walking School Bus
A walking school bus is a group of students walking together to school on a regular basis. Parents often take turns “driving” the bus, walking with the students, and providing supervision. KMM will help plan a route, assist in developing policies and procedures and provide a safety orientation to volunteers.
School Travel Plan
KMM works with schools and towns to create a plan to improve safety for children walking and biking to school – this may include street fixes, educational programs, and police enforcement. The School Travel Plan is a blueprint for making improvements over time – and enables towns and schools to apply for supporting grants. KMM will prepare the plan with the participation of the Board of Education, municipality, parents, and community leaders.
Sustainable Jersey/Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Municipalities and Schools that meet the requirements for the NJ Safe Routes Recognition Program can also earn points toward Sustainable Jersey and Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Promotion Initiatives
Safe Routes to School District Policy
School Travel Plan for Biking and Walking
