Safe Routes to School Programs

“Safe Routes to School” refers to efforts that improve, educate, or encourage children safely walking (by foot or mobility device) or biking to school. The Oregon Department of Transportation has two main types of Safe Routes to School programs: Construction and Education and technical assistance. Construction programs focus on making sure safe walking and biking routes exist through investments in crossings, sidewalks and bike lanes, flashing beacons, and the like. Education programs focus on education and outreach to assure awareness and safe use of walking and biking routes. All ODOT's grants and resources are available at oregonsaferoutes.org.

Launch ODOT's Safe Routes to School Program

Biking to school

Laws & Rules

From 2005-2012 there was dedicated federal funding for Safe Routes to School infrastructure and non-infrastructure. When that went away, ODOT and the Oregon Transportation Commission used its discretion to continue some dedicated funding for non-infrastructure. Although there was no dedicated funding for infrastructure, several Safe Routes to School projects successfully competed for funding over the years.

In 2017, the Oregon Legislature passed the landmark transportation funding package (HB2017) which dedicates infrastructure funding once again to Safe Routes to School. Funding will flow into the Safe Routes to School Fund (ORS 184.740), guided by Oregon Administrative Rule 737-025. The new funding source for infrastructure money is state highway funds. These have different constitutional restrictions than federal funds and the Rule must be amended to make it consistent with state laws. Projects on school grounds, bike racks, off-road improvements and planning studies will no longer be eligible for infrastructure funding. The Rulemaking Advisory Committee submitted the revised Rule to the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) in 2018.

The Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC), adopted the amended Oregon Safe Routes to School Rule (OAR 737-025) in 2018.

For more information read the updated rule, SRTS Notice Filing, or contact leeanne.fergason@odot.state.or.us.

Advisory Committee

The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee, or SRAC, consists of approximately 15 volunteers who have been appointed by the ODOT Director. The committee meets at least quarterly and is charged with recommending projects for funding in ODOT's Safe Routes to School Construction and Non-Construction Grant Programs. The committee is advisory to the Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT.

Project Administration for Construction Grants

Guidance

Forms

Change Request (Form 737-3559)
Must be submitted for approval prior to any changes to project scope or delivery schedule
Reimbursement Request
Used to request grant payment.
Recommendations of Acceptance (Form 737-3560)
Completed by the ODOT Project Liaison and signed by recipient upon project completion.
Quarterly Progress Report (Form 737-3561)
Used to evaluate project performance.

Education Program

Email Heidi Manlove
Program Manager
Telephone 503-986-4196

Transportation Safety Division
ODOT-TLC Building, MS 3
4040 Fairview Industrial Drive SE
Salem, OR 97302-1142

Construction Program

Email LeeAnne Fergason
Safe Routes to School Program Manager
Telephone 503-910-8994

Public Transportation Division
ODOT – Mill Creek Building
555 13th Street NE
Salem, OR 97301