Safe Routes to School Programs
Safe Routes to School Programs support Oregon school communities with infrastructure, education, and planning to reduce hazards and help children walk, use mobility devices, and bike safely to school.
Funder: Oregon Department of Transportation
Due Dates: April 27, 2026 (Education Coordination) | January 2027 (Expected schedule announcement) | Rolling when funds are available (Rapid Response)
Funding Amounts: Competitive Construction: $60,000–$3 million; Rapid Response: up to $500,000; Education Coordination: up to $100,000–$150,000 over two years
Summary: Supports Oregon infrastructure, education, and planning that help children walk, use mobility devices, and bike safely to school.
Key Information: Construction grants require an eligible road authority, public-road right-of-way improvements, and school support.
Description
Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs reduce barriers and hazards to children walking, rolling, and bicycling to and from school. Construction funding supports improvements such as sidewalks, crossings, bike lanes, signals, and flashing beacons. Education and technical assistance complement these investments through safety training, outreach, encouragement, enforcement, and local planning.
The Construction Program is housed in ODOT’s Public Transportation Division, while Education Coordination grants are administered through the Transportation Safety Office. The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee sets selection criteria and recommends projects for funding. Programs emphasize child safety, improved access to active transportation, and equity, including transportation disparities affecting low-income school communities.
