Safe Routes to School Program
Forecasted
Safe Routes to School Program supports Washington communities with school-route improvements, design work, and travel education that help K–12 students walk, roll, and bike safely while reducing traffic near schools.
Funder: Washington State Department of Transportation
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2028 (Tribal consultation initiation) | April 2028 (Application)
Funding Amounts: Estimated $56,950,000 for the 2027–29 biennium; no maximum project request
Summary: Funds projects that make walking, rolling, and bicycling to K–12 schools safer and more practical.
Key Information: Infrastructure and development/design-only applications require completed pre-application tribal consultation documentation.
Description
The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School Program funds work that improves safety and mobility for children traveling to school. Projects must serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade at public or private schools and be within two miles of a school. The program aims to make walking, rolling, and bicycling safer and more appealing while reducing traffic near schools.
Applicants can propose infrastructure that develops routes to school, development/design-only work that resolves uncertain project needs and produces a design, or education and encouragement activities. WSDOT’s Active Transportation Division evaluates and ranks proposals for the Legislature; the Legislature and Governor approve the project list and set funding.
