Program Components

Research has shown the most successful way to increase bicycling and walking is through a comprehensive approach that includes the "5 E's" directly or indirectly. The "5 E's" are as follows.

Engineering

Creating operational and physical improvements to the infrastructure surrounding schools that reduce speeds and potential conflicts with motor vehicle traffic, and establish safer and fully accessible crossings, walkways, trails and bikeways.

Education

Teaching children about the broad range of transportation choices, instructing them in important lifelong bicycling and walking safety skills, and launching driver safety campaigns in the vicinity of schools.

Enforcement

Partnering with local law enforcement to ensure traffic laws are obeyed in the vicinity of schools (this includes enforcement of speeds, yielding to pedestrians in crossings, and proper walking and bicycling behaviors), and initiating community enforcement such as crossing guard programs.

Encouragement

Using events and activities to promote walking and bicycling.

Evaluation

Monitoring and documenting outcomes and trends through the collection of data, including the collection of data before and after the intervention(s). Selected applicants will be required to submit data before, and two years after the completion of selected projects.