Arizona: Prescott

Safe Routes to School

Lead Implementers:

Prescott Alternative Transportation

Partners:

Margaret T. Morris Foundation

Location:

Prescott, Arizona

Contact Info:

Sue Knaup
Prescott Alternative Transportation
  P.O. Box 2122
  Prescott, Arizona 86302
sue@prescottbikeped.org

Web Address:

http://www.prescottbikeped.org

Project Focus:

Increase the number of children who walk or bike to school for the benefit of the entire community.

Summary:

This program is a comprehensive Safe Routes to Schools program. Four schools are targeted in 2002. The program is scheduled to expand from Prescott, to central Yavapai County, to statewide, in the coming years.

Engineering, Planning and Design Strategy:

Program participants identify the safest routes between neighborhoods and schools and pinpoint bicycle and pedestrian facility deficiencies. Roadway improvements in the next fiscal year that affect schools are also targeted. Some funding is currently available for these capital improvements through federal and local government sources; other funding is being actively sought. 

Enforcement Strategy:

Program participants and schools work closely with law enforcement officers and crossing guards.

Educational Focus:

The program creates teams of parents, teachers and kids at each of the schools. These teams develop customized educational programs that fit their school. All include safe walking and riding habits, helmet use, rules of the road, and the health and environmental benefits of non-motorized travel. Contests, games and events encourage more kids to take part. Students are directly involved in conducting surveys, mapping their routes to school and keeping track of their own family’s means of transportation. An annual Bike Week in May will showcase participating students.

Built/Unbuilt-Urban/Suburban:

Built, urban

Status:

Launched January 2002

Budget:

$8,500 (Morris), plus PAT program budget

Funding Source:

Margaret T. Morris Foundation, Prescott Alternative Transportation (PAT)