District Earns Safe Routes to School Grant

Implementation of the grant will include both new initiatives and enhancements to existing efforts that encourage students and families to choose active transportation when going to and from school. Among the highlights:

• Events – Two elementary Hike & Bike weeks – one in the fall (Sept. 22-26) and one in the spring (May 11-15) –, a Winter Walk, and a spring Bike Rodeo to promote safe cycling. These events are in partnership with the City of Lakewood and Bike Lakewood.

• Schoolpool Program – An online tool to help families connect with others to walk or bike together for added safety and convenience.
• Safety Resources – Distribution of bike helmets and locks to students in need and installation of additional bike racks across schools.
• Community Awareness – Promotion of safe practices, including encouraging homeowners and businesses to shovel sidewalks in the winter to ensure students can walk and bike safely.

“This project is a priority because we realize how critical it is to help our families explore safe, reliable, and healthy ways for their children to get to school,” said Assistant Superintendent Christine Palumbo, who headed up the grant effort. “We’re excited about the partnerships that will bring this vision to life and about the lasting impact it will have on our students and community.”

Community partnerships are central to the project’s success. The City of Lakewood, Lakewood Council of PTAs, and Bike Lakewood, and the City of Lakewood have all committed to supporting the District’s efforts. 

A separate but complementary initiative that the District is embarking on is Schoolpool, a free federal program administered by the Northeast Ohio Area Coordinating Agency and GoOhio Commute that provides an online tool for families to safely and securely connect with other families to form walkpools and bikepools.

The Safe Routes to School project will help empower Lakewood families to feel confident in choosing active transportation while also teaching students the lifelong value of healthy habits, independence, and community.