Safe Routes To School
What is Safe Routes to School?
The mission of the Takoma Safe Routes to School program is to make it safe for students to walk and bike to school. The program serves students and families at Takoma Park, Piney Branch, Rolling Terrace, and East Silver Spring Elementary Schools, and Takoma Park Middle School.
Safe Routes to School is a federal grant managed by the Maryland State Highway Administration. The City of Takoma Park has been awarded a Safe Routes to School grant in every cycle since 2006. Current grants, below, are awarded at 80% from State Highway and require a 20% match from the City:
Enhancing Biking and Bike Safety in Takoma Park — $62,450.
This grant was awarded in the summer of 2020. The grant term will begin when the Memorandum of Understanding is signed by both parties.
Non-Infrastructure only: This grant includes a bike safety education and learn to ride program including a fleet of 8-10 bikes and associated materials for each school in the program. In addition, a feasibility study for a Traffic Garden in Takoma Park will help determine if we can build a space for students and families to safely learn to ride. Post Covid safety messaging will also be funded through this grant.
The Takoma Park Improvement Project 2020 — $108,118.
This grant term began on January 1, 2020 and will run for 2 years.
Non-Infrastructure only: Initially the measures of the grant included Walk to School Day; Bike Rodeos; Cross Safe, Cross Smart workshops; and Bike to School Day. Due to the current health emergency, the grant activities will be offered in a virtual format with an option for in-person activities, when advisable.
The Lincoln Avenue Project — $738,300 (project complete)
The grant term began in July, 2018 and was completed in 2020.
Infrastructure: Lincoln Avenue between Jackson and Elm, with enhancements to adjoining intersections.
Non-Infrastructure: Walk to School Day; Bike Rodeos, Cross Safe- Cross Smart, Bike to School Day, iCan Shine Bike Camp and safety related enforcement in the school zones. All programmatic activities are completed.
To learn more about any of the Safe Routes to School programs, contact planning@takomaparkmd.gov.
Project Lead & Contact Info
Rosalind Grigsby
Planning & Development Manager
Phone: 301-891-7119
Email: rosalindg@takomaparkmd.gov
Quick Links
- Planning and Community Development
- Safe Routes to School
- Bike and Pedestrian Safety Education
- Bike and Walk to School Day
- TKPK5K
- Map Your Route
- We Belong Here: The Takoma Park Equity Walk
Keeping It Cool in the Summer
SUMMER is finally here!! And it’s hot. It’s very hot. So, here are some ways you and your child can still have fun with your summer walking and biking while keeping cool:
Seek Shade. The suns UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it’s best to seek a physical activity option where there is shaded under trees, or leave outdoor activities for the morning or until later in the evening.
Cover Up. When it’s possible, dress your child in long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts to maximize protection. Avoid wet T-shirts as they offer less UV protection than a dry one. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection.
Get a Hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are not only easy to use, but they give great protection. Although baseball hats are popular among kids, they don’t protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.
Wear Sunglasses. They protect your child’s eyes from UV rays. When shopping, look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
Apply Sunscreen. Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and protection from UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don’t forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet. Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, even waterproof and water-resistant products, especially after your child swims or exercises.
