Federal Legislation

In the summer of 2005, Congress passed legislation establishing a national Safe Routes to School program as part of the federal transportation reauthorization legislation (SAFETEA-LU).

• Signed into law in August 2005
• Dedicated a total of $612 million toward SRTS from 2005 to 2009
• Goal of reversing 30-year decline in the numbers of children walking to school

The Federal Highway Administration administers the program funds, distributing to states based on student enrollment. The Administration also provides guidance and regulations. With these funds, state governments are able to create programs and put forth efforts to improve infrastructures – all in the hopes of encouraging and enabling students to walk and bicycle to and from school. The legislation also requires each state to have a Safe Routes to School coordinator to serve as a central point of contact.