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Q. Where can I find a copy of the 2011 Crossing Guard Apprecation Day Proclamation?
A. Click HERE  .
Consider doing something special for your crossing guards today, whether it is providing them with a cup of coffee or cold drink or providing them with a thank you letter, similar to what the Chicago Department of Transportation has provided in the past. An example of the letter they provided, written by a student, is available HERE .
HERE is an example of a great press release from Hinsdale, sharing all of their great activities.
Other ideas, suggested by the Active Transportation Alliance in Chicago, include:
Write a thank you note
Draw a picture of you and your crossing guard
Respect the crossing guard’s authority
Bring them flowers from your garden
Pay attention when driving through the intersection
Introduce yourself
Smile! Wave! Wish them a Happy Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
Think of a fun and meaningful way to say THANKS!
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Q. Where can I find a copy of the most recent Illinois SRTS E-Newsletter (January/February 2011)?
A. Please click HERE for the PDF version of the newsletter.
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Q. Where can I find the memo from the Bureau of Local Road and Streets regarding Unsignalized Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs?
A. Please click HERE for a copy of the memorandum sent in August 2010.
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Q. What communities participated in the Travel Plan process for 2010?
A. For a list of all approved School Travel Plans, please click HERE . Congratulations to each of these schools and communities!
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Q. What is the status of the current SRTS infrastructure program?
A. As of 9-27-10, the report is HERE .
Report is sorting by Program Year (PGM YR) along with the PPS # (PGM NO). The “Y” indicates it is programmed with OP&P in PPS. (normally not entered until Stage 6)
The CNTY is the Federal County Code
The TYPE is an Agency Type -
1 = County,
2 = Township and
3 = City
The NAME is the Local Agency
The RTE is the Route Name
The SECTION is our local section #
The PROJECT is the Federal Project #
The STG is the “status” of the project - (Typically projects go from Stage 1 to Stage 6)
Stage 7 = Project is closed, a Final Voucher has been filed
Stage 6 = Project has been authorized with the Feds
Stage 5 – 3 = are not used
Stage 2 = a Program revision has been sent for changes to the Annual Program
Stage 1 = Initial entry of the Project.
The LET DATE is the letting date
TOTAL PROJECT COST
FED FUND TYPE is our federal fund key –
SRSP = Phase 1 Engineering
SRS2 = Phase 2 Engineering
SRS = Construction
SRSC = Construction Engineering
SRSR = Land Acquisition
The FED FUND AMOUNT = the Federal portion of the total project cost.
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Q. I missed one of the September - October SRTS lunchtime webinars. Can I get a copy?
A. Yes, please email the SRTS coordinator, Megan Holt Swanson at DOT.SafeRoutes@illinois.com. They are too large to upload to the website.
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Q. Where can I find the recently released report on involving students with disabilities in SRTS?
A. http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/resources/collateral/Involving_students_with_disability_web.pdf.
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Q. Where can I find information on the status of Infrastructure projects awarded in 2007 and 2008?
A. Click HERE .
Report is sorting by Program Year (PGM YR) along with the PPS # (PGM NO). The “Y” indicates it is programmed with OP&P in PPS. (normally not entered until Stage 6)
The CNTY is the Federal County Code
The TYPE is an Agency Type - 1 = County, 2 = Township and 3 = City
The NAME is the Local Agency
The RTE is the Route Name
The SECTION is our local section #
The PROJECT is the Federal Project #
The STG is the “status” of the project -
Stage 7 = Project is closed, a Final Voucher has been filed
Stage 6 = Project has been authorized with the Feds
Stage 5 – 3 = are not used
Stage 2 = a Program revision has been sent for changes to the Annual Program
Stage 1 = Initial entry of the Project.
(Typically projects go from Stage 1 to Stage 6)
The LET DATE is the letting date
TOTAL PROJECT COST
FED FUND TYPE is our federal fund key –
SRSP = Phase 1 Engineering
SRS2 = Phase 2 Engineering
SRS = Construction
SRSC = Construction Engineering
SRSR = Land Acquisition
The FED FUND AMOUNT = the Federal portion of the total project cost.
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Q. Where can I find the design specifications that my SRTS sidewalks (and other infrastructure projects) must follow?
A. Design requirements for sidewalks are discussed in Sections 31-2.02 and 41-6 (this section discusses ADA requirements) of the Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual. Below is a link to the manual:
http://www.dot.il.gov/blr/manuals/blrmanual.html
Also, please note that, for SRTS sidewalks, it is highly preferred that a buffer be included to separate the sidewalk from the roadway.
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Q. Where can I find information on school siting issues?
A. Please click HERE for a list of resources on school siting issues. Thank you to Jessica Frost, New Mexico SRTS Coordinator, for sharing!
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Q. NI Issues: Where can I find information on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day 2010?
A. Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is May 4, 2010. You can find the proclamation HERE .
Consider doing something special for your crossing guards today, whether it is providing them with a cup of coffee or cold drink or providing them with a thank you letter, similar to what the Chicago Department of Transportation has provided in the past. An example of the letter they provided, written by a student, is available HERE .
HERE is an example of a great press release from Hinsdale, sharing all of their great activities.
Other ideas, suggested by the Active Transportation Alliance in Chicago, include:
Write a thank you note
Draw a picture of you and your crossing guard
Respect the crossing guard’s authority
Bring them flowers from your garden
Pay attention when driving through the intersection
Introduce yourself
Smile! Wave! Wish them a Happy Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
Think of a fun and meaningful way to say THANKS!
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Q. NI ISSUES: Where can I find information on Walk to School Day 2010?
A. CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (April 22, 2010) — Registration is now open for Walk to School 2010, an international event where communities from over 40 countries join together to walk and bicycle to school. International Walk to School Day is Wednesday, October 6, 2010.
Registration is free and available to individuals and/or organizations holding a 2010 Walk to School event in the U.S. Events that register on the Walk to School Web site, www.walktoschool.org/register, will be displayed on an interactive U.S. map on the Web site, where neighboring communities, media and other organizations can identify who is walking in their area. In 2009, Walk to School participation reached a record high of 3,369 registered events.
Registering a Walk to School event provides organizers access to a variety of downloadable materials, including event ideas, certificates, flyers and a frequent walker punch card. Registrants can also subscribe to receive a weekly e-newsletter for six weeks in September and October with tips and resources on holding a Walk to School event.
For more information on Walk to School activities in the U.S., visit www.walktoschool.org. To view 2009 photos, visit www.iwalktoschool.org/photos/index.htm.
The National Center for Safe Routes to School serves as the national coordinating agency for Walk to School activities in the U.S. For more information, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org.
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Q. STUDIES: Where can I find information on the 2009 National Household Transportation Study and Safe Routes to School?
A. The National Center for Safe Routes to School, in conjunction with the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, has distributed a press release on the school travel data in the 2009 National Household Travel Survey.
Some highlights are:
•Thirteen percent of children five to 14 years old usually walked or biked to school compared with 48 percent of students in 1969. Conversely, 12 percent of children arrived at school by private automobile in 1969, and, by 2009, this number increased to 44 percent. Rates of school bus ridership to school over this same 40-year span showed the least change, increasing from 38 to 40 percent.
•Preliminary analysis of 2009 NHTS travel diary data reveal the percent of five through 14-year olds walking and bicycling to school in the U.S. has remained stable at about 12 percent over the last 15 years.
•When measuring trips to school of one mile or less, a distance considered easily walkable and bikable for most students, 38 percent of five to 14-year old students reported usually walking and bicycling to school in 2009, compared to 88 percent of students in 1969. The percent of children who live within a mile of school decreased by 10 percentage points, from 41% in 1969 to 31% today.
To see the entire press release, click HERE . Graphs representing the data are also available:
Travel Mode for Students is  .
Usual School Arrival Mode for all students is  .
Usual School Arrival Mode for students less than 1 mile from school is  .
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Q. INF ISSUES: What is the status of the 2007 SRTS Infrastructure projects?
A. The most recent status report is attached HERE . This is for the first quarter of 2010 (as of March 30, 2010).
Report is sorting by Program Year (PGM YR) along with the PPS # (PGM NO). The “Y” indicates it is programmed with OP&P in PPS. (normally not entered until Stage 6)
The CNTY is the Federal County Code
The TYPE is an Agency Type - 1 = County, 2 = Township and 3 = City
The NAME is the Local Agency
The RTE is the Route Name
The SECTION is our local section #
The PROJECT is the Federal Project #
The STG is the “status” of the project -
Stage 7 = Project is closed, a Final Voucher has been filed
Stage 6 = Project has been authorized with the Feds
Stage 5 – 3 = are not used
Stage 2 = a Program revision has been sent for changes to the Annual Program
Stage 1 = Initial entry of the Project.
(Typically projects go from Stage 1 to Stage 6)
The LET DATE is the letting date
TOTAL PROJECT COST
FED FUND TYPE is our federal fund key –
SRSP = Phase 1 Engineering
SRS2 = Phase 2 Engineering
SRS = Construction
SRSC = Construction Engineering
SRSR = Land Acquisition
The FED FUND AMOUNT = the Federal portion of the total project cost.
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Q. STUDIES: Where can I find a link to the National Center for Safe Routes to School's report showing baseline information on travel modes?
A. The National Center for Safe Routes to School released (January 2010) a new national report on Safe Routes to School
(SRTS) travel data. The report, entitled Safe Routes to School Travel Data: A Look at Baseline Results from Parent Surveys and Student Travel Tallies, provides a summary of school travel data that local SRTS programs throughout the United States collected from April 2007 to May 2009.
The full press release is available at
www.saferoutesinfo.org/news_room/2010-02-04_srts_baseline_report.cfm
The full report is available at
www.saferoutesinfo.org/resources/travel_data_reports.cfm
** *KEY FINDINGS INCLUDE:*
- Distance to school is strongly associated with how children get to and from school. The proportion of children walking or bicycling to school is much greater among those who live closer to school.
- Across all grades, the family car and school bus were the two most frequently used options for travel to/from school. Walking was third. However, there are notable differences between how students in lower grades (K-5th) and higher grades (6th-8th) travel to school.
- Safety factors, like traffic speed and volume and street crossing safety, were frequently selected as barriers by parents who live within one half mile of school but do not allow their children to walk or bicycle to/from school.
The baseline results provide useful information about student travel for the schools in the sample, many of which likely just began their SRTS activities, and highlight issues for the national SRTS program to address and promote. Over 130,000 parent responses and almost 2.4 million student trips to or from elementary and middle schools were included in the aggregate analysis.
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Q. STUDIES: Where can I find a link to the new report (January 2010) by the Alliance for Walking and Biking "Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.: 2010 Benchmarking Report"?
A. http://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/site/index.php/site/memberservices/C529
Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.: 2010 Benchmarking Report is an essential resource and tool for government officials, advocates, and those working to promote bicycling and walking. The Benchmarking Project is an on-going effort to collect and analyze data on bicycling and walking in all 50 states and the 51 largest U.S. cities. This second biennial report reveals data including: bicycling and walking levels and demographics; bicycle and pedestrian safety; bicycle and pedestrian policies and provisions; funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects; bicycle and pedestrian staffing levels; written policies on bicycling and walking; bicycle infrastructure including bike lanes, paths, signed bike routes, and bicycle parking; bike-transit integration including presence of bike racks on buses, bike parking at transit stops; bicycling and walking education and encouragement activities; and public health indicators including levels of obesity, physical activity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The report is full of data tables and graphs so you can see how your state or city stacks up. Inside you will find unprecedented statistics to help support your case for increasing safe bicycling and walking in your community. Bicycling and Walking in the U.S.: 2010 Benchmarking Report was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and made possible through the additional support of Bikes Belong and Planet Bike.
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Q. I want to freshen up our walking/biking mileage club. What's new?
A. *FREE RESOURCE*
Imagine running alone across the entire United States, a total of 3,260 miles from one ocean to another in 108 days on the hot summer pavement! In 2006, runner Paul Staso did that to keep a promise to 97 school children in his hometown of Missoula, Montana. Now, each year he takes thousands of students worldwide on multi-week virtual trek adventures... teaching and inspiring via his "online classroom" – a window into his journey runs. This is FREE for children worldwide.
Paul does all of this to encourage an active/healthy lifestyle in children, promote goal setting, and teach kids about locations beyond their school boundaries in a fun and challenging way.
So far, he's logged 187 marathons in 167 days on the road doing P.A.C.E. runs across states and countries, a total of 4,880 miles – completely alone by pushing a stroller of gear. In 2011, Paul will do two P.A.C.E. running challenges – a total of 1,043 miles in only 34 days! The two solo runs will involve 5 U.S. states! Read more details at http://www.pacetrek.com/.
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Q. Where can I find a summary of the changes to the section on Traffic Control for School Areas (Part 7) in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices?
A. This section covers changes to school zone signage and to apparel for adult crossing guards. Please visit this website: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ser-Training.htm and click on Part 7.
The PDF attached HERE is an overview, but does not include the notes/explainations. These are available in the on-line version.
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Q. Where can I find the standards for adult crossing guard apparel as outlined in the new Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices?
A. Please note that the requirements for apparel for adult crossing guards has changed. Please adhere to the following standard in the new Manual on Uniform Traffic Contral Devices:
Section 7D.04 Uniform of Adult Crossing Guards Standard:
01 Law enforcement officers performing school crossing supervision and adult crossing guards shall wear high-visibility retroreflective safety apparel labeled as ANSI 107-2004 standard performance for Class 2 as described in Section 6E.02.
Section 6E.02 High-Visibility Safety Apparel Standard:
01 For daytime and nighttime activity, flaggers shall wear high-visibility safety apparel that meets the Performance Class 2 or 3 requirements of the ANSI/ISEA 107–2004 publication entitled “American National Standard for High-Visibility Apparel and Headwear” (see Section 1A.11) and labeled as meeting the ANSI 107-2004 standard performance for Class 2 or 3 risk exposure.
The apparel background (outer) material color shall be fluorescent orange-red, fluorescent yellow-green, or a combination of the two as defined in the ANSI standard. The retroreflective material shall be orange, yellow, white, silver, yellow-green, or a fluorescent version of these colors, and shall be visible at a minimum distance of 1,000 feet. The retroreflective safety apparel shall be designed to clearly identify the wearer as a person.
Guidance: 02 For nighttime activity, high-visibility safety apparel that meets the Performance Class 3 requirements of the ANSI/ISEA 107–2004 publication entitled “American National Standard for High-Visibility Apparel and Headwear” (see Section 1A.11) and labeled as meeting the ANSI 107-2004 standard performance for Class 3 risk exposure should be considered for flagger wear.
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Q. Where can I find the new Spanish language pedestrian and bicycle materials from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration?
A. From Pedestrian Forum: Safe Pedestrians and a Walkable America VOL. 49, Winter 2010
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/pedforum/
Spanish Language Pedestrian and Bicycle Materials Available from NHTSA
Walking and bicycling in the U.S. have become increasingly popular as forms of transportation When Hispanics come to the United States, they often rely on bicycling and walking as their primary means of transportation, but they often are not familiar with U.S. traffic signs, signals and practices. Language barriers may also affect their ability to understand how to safely travel. For these and other reasons, Hispanic immigrants are at a higher risk of being involved in pedestrian and/or bicycle safety crashes. Hispanic adult men, in particular, may be at even higher risk.
In an effort to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities involving Hispanics, NHTSA is working on materials to reach members of the Hispanic communities:
-Spanish-language materials that teach Hispanics about basic pedestrian and bicycle rules and regulations. The materials include posters, brochures and radio public service announcements (PSAs) that can be downloaded by visiting www.nhtsa.gov/links/ped_bike_sp.html. Print copies can also be requested by sending a fax to 301-386-2194 with your name, address, phone number, and number of copies (up to 25 maximum for each) that you want to receive for each item. Currently available.
-Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety for Adults Learning English as a Second Language (ESL). For those who teach ESL, this curriculum allows students at an intermediate level to continue learning the English language while also learning the basic principles of pedestrian and bicycle safety. The curriculum, in English, includes both Instructor Guides and Student Handbooks. Included are Pedestrian and Bicycle safety rules for students to share with their families. Available March 2010.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Can I get a handout of the presentation given to awardees on the December 11 or 15 webinar?
A. Please click HERE .
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: How do I know if I am in an MPO area?
A. Please click HERE for a map of planning areas in Illinois. If you still have questions, please contact your Local Roads Office or SRTS Coordinator.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Can we use SRTS funds in conjunction with other funds such as LAP or MFT?
A. Yes, generally, as long as you are not using SRTS to "match" federal funds. For more information about your specific situation, please contact either your Local Roads Office or the SRTS Coordinator.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Does the post project data have to be submitted before reimbursement is sought?
A. No, we currently do not withhold reimbursement pending the entry of the prost project data.
For additional information on how the reimbursement process works, please see the other FAQs dealing with this issue.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Do we need separate contracts for our Infrastructure and Non-infrastructure projects?
A. Yes. Local Roads administers the Infrastructure projects, while the SRTS Coordinator manages the Non-infrastructure projects.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: We already did pre- and post- surveys with the 2008 application. Do we need to re-do them for the project that will occur in 2010?
A. Yes. We would like data that is timely to the beginning and end of the project. Because the surveys done for your STP and application occured in 2007 or 2008, we require new, updated data.
Please visit the website for the National Center for Safe Routes to School for information on how they can help you to streamline the process through manual entry into their system, using Survey Monkey, or sending all of the individual surveys directly to them for scanning, compilation and recording. These measures will help to make this process easier for your community.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Who should sign the contract?
A. Someone with signature authority for the sponsoring agency shoudl sign the contract. Depending on your organization/agency, this could by the Mayor or CEO, City/Business Manager, or even the project manager. If you are still unsure, please ask your legal department.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Will there be a funding cycle in 2010?
A. We are not currently planning a 2010 funding cycle, as it is dependent on additional federal funding for Safe Routes to School. As soon as we have a better idea of what our future SRTS funding will be, we will be able to determine additional funding opportunities.
I encourage you to update your School Travel Plan annually, regardless of the date of the next funding cycle. This will give you a "head start' when the next funding cycle is announced, and will also keep your School Travel Plan team going strong!
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: What regulations do we need to follow regarding the width of our sidewalks and bike paths?
A. Please contact your IDOT Local Roads office to discuss this issue with them. They will be able to provide the most accurate information based upon your description of the project.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Our award is for equipment only (signage, speed feedback trailer, etc.) Do we still need a contract with IDOT?
A. Yes, you need a contract with the Department in order to spend any Safe Routes to School funds for federal reimbursement.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Can multiple similar and connected projects such as signage and striping or Walk to School Day and Bike Rodeos be handled under the same contract?
A. Yes, usually. Please contact either your District Office (for infrasturcture) or Juanita Akers (for non-infrastructure) for more information.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Is there a template for the completion of noninfrastructure projects?
A. Please contact Juanita Akers at juanita.akers@illinois.gov for additional information about this process and for the paperwork to initiate your contract.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Is it possible to get partial reimbursements for projects - to draw down funds as the work progresses?
A. Yes, non-infrastructure funds can be reimbursed in $5000 increments. If this is an issue for your community, please contact Megan Holt Swanson to discuss.
For infrastructure projects, please contact your IDOT Local Roads office for information about the reimbursement schedule.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Do we turn the survey data in to the Central Office, or to the District?
A. Neither. Please use the database at the National Center for Safe Routes to School. The Illinois Coordinator has access to this information, as does the National Center. This data will be used to show the effect of SRTS on walking, biking and parent attitudes throughout Illinois and nationwide.
For more information, please visit:
www.saferoutesinfo.org and click on the link "Submit Data".
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: How should we do our surveys if the project is planned to be completed over the summer?
A. If you anticipate that you will begin your project over the summer, when school is not in session, please collect your pre-project data prior to the end of the school year. Then collect your post project data several months into the school year, or even in the spring of that school year.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Will SRTS engineering agreements be expedited?
A. Typically, SRTS agreements are for small projects, but they still fall under federal regulations for the expenditure of federal funds. Many SRTS projects will have categorical exclusions that help to expedite the process, but all of the regular state and federal guidelines must be met.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Do Infrastructure projects need to have a contract with our District Local Roads Engineer?
A. Yes, please contact your Local Roads Engineer to initiate the contract/agreement process. Use of SRTS engineering funds is subject to federal regulations and guidelines.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: What happens after I win a SRTS award for Infrastructure (Engineering)?
A. After you are notified that you have been chosen for Safe Routes funding for an infrastructure/engineering project, you must contact IDOT’s District Local Roads office to begin the process of formalizing an agreement between your governmental entity and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Here are two timelines that will help you to get an idea about the timeframe for a typical construction project:
HERE HERE
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: Where can I find a map and list of the IDOT District Offices?
A. For information on your IDOT District Office, please click HERE .
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: We only received funding for one type of project (eg, infrastructure). We are also planning to hold some non-infrastructure projects at our school this year. Do we have to do surveys for both types of projects, or only the federally funded one?
A. Strictly speaking, you are only required to provide data for the project that is funded through IDOT SRTS. It would be beneficial if you would also survey for the other projects, to help see the impact of the dual approach, but it is not required.
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Q. WEBINAR FAQ: What do I need to submit for reimbursement for our funded project? Is the infrastructure reimbursement process the same as the noninfrastructure reimbursement process?
A. For Infrastructure project reimbursement procedures, please click HERE .
For Non-Infrastructure project reimbursement information, please see below.
Send invoices to Megan Holt.
All invoices must be submitted using a C-13 invoice voucher, which you will need to request from Megan.
Please reference the state job number identified on your notice of award when you submit the invoice, and include the following supporting documentation:
a short letter from your organization documenting the costs and including the dates of service for which you are asking for reimbursement;
cancelled check(s) for the goods/services;
bids received for the goods purchased; and
a summary of your activities to date.
All invoices must be submitted in a minimum of $5,000 increments. If your project is less than $5,000 total, you will submit just one invoice for the entire amount to be reimbursed.
A sample of the C-13 is HERE .
Please contact Megan with any questions you may have.
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Q. STUDIES: Are there any studies comparing the effectiveness of inexpensive versus more expensive bicycle helmets?
A. Yes. The following information was shared with the SRTS community by Paula Bawer, Bicycle and SRTS Program Manager with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Countermeasures Division. The head of this study is her "go to" person in bike helmet issues.
Lab Tests of Cheap and Expensive Bike Helmets
Results are virtually identical.
We submitted samples of six helmet models to a leading U.S. test lab: three in the $150+ range and three under $20. The impact test results were virtually identical. There were very few differences in performance among the helmets. Our conclusion: when you pay more for a helmet you may get an easier fit, more vents and snazzier graphics.
But the basic impact protection of the cheap helmets we tested equaled the expensive ones.
The results are a testimony to the effectiveness of our legally-required CPSC helmet standard. Although our sample was small, the testing indicates that the consumer can shop for a bicycle helmet in the US market without undue concern about the impact performance of the various models on sale, whatever the price level. The most important advice is to find a helmet that fits you well so that it will be positioned correctly when you hit.
The results are a testimony to the effectiveness of our legally-required CPSC helmet standard. Although our sample was small, the testing indicates that the consumer can shop for a bicycle helmet in the US market without undue concern about the impact performance of the various models on sale, whatever the price level. The most important advice is to find a helmet that fits you well so that it will be positioned correctly when you hit.
We have a longer page up with more details:
http://www.helmets.org/testbycost.htm
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Q. STUDIES: Are there any studies or articles available linking active transportation such as walking and cycling to better health?
A. Yes. On November 16th, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation release information on this vital link. For more information, please visit the link:
http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?id=51556
and read the information below.
New Research Connects Transportation Options to Physical Activity and Health
Today fewer than half of U.S. children and adolescents get the recommended daily hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and nearly one-third of young people are overweight or obese. Walking and biking for transportation can help people be more active overall, and transportation investments which make that easier are an important strategy for increasing physical activity and promoting health among all Americans.
Two new resources by Active Living Research, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, examine the relationship between investments in active transportation, physical activity and obesity rates, and the extent to which regions across the country are making such investments.
Making the Link from Transportation to Physical Activity and Obesity summarizes the most up-to-date research regarding how transportation investments encourage healthful activity. The brief details how increasing access to public transportation, making streets and sidewalks safer, and developing trails and bike lanes affect people’s health and how much they bike and walk for transportation. Findings from the research brief include:
Public transit use is linked with higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity.
Walking or biking to school can help kids be more active overall.
Sidewalks and bike lanes promote physical activity.
Multi-use trails are associated with increases in walking and biking, especially in urban areas and among lower-income populations.
Traffic-calming and safety measures protect residents and facilitate walking and bicycling.
The Regional Response to Federal Funding for Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects examines how and to what extent regions across the country have used federal transportation funding to improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The report documents a wide variation in regional spending: among the 50 largest metropolitan areas, the five top-spending regions invested almost seven times as much per capita as the five lowest spenders. Case studies from Sacramento, Calif., and Baltimore, Md., show that use of federal funds for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is more likely to occur in places with stronger regional control over federal funds, dedicated bicycle and pedestrian staff, and access to federal air quality funds. Key recommendations in the report include:
The federal government should ensure local governments are able to measure the air-quality benefits of non-motorized projects to qualify for air-quality funding.
Metropolitan planning organizations should be given more control over spending of federal transportation dollars, and should consider developing investment programs aimed at achieving specific outcomes, instead of dividing funding by mode.
Together, the new resources offer recommendations for improving funding and implementation strategies related to active transportation and provide guidance on which types of changes are likely to be most effective in increasing rates of physical activity and improving residents’ health.
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Q. STUDIES: Our school district is considering building new schools. Where can I find additional information on school siting and the impact of school location on the ability for students to walk and bike?
A. Three new websites with resources on community centered schools, school siting, and facilities.
1. The Environmental Protection Agency has a new website on the school facility siting. The website has links to a broad set of environmental challenges and solutions regarding school facility siting.
http://www.epa.gov/schools/siting.html
2. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has a new website for the "Helping Johnny Walk to School" project. This project is funded through the cooperative agreement with EPA and the Jesse Ball duPont Fund. On the site you can see the states the Trust is working with currently in the project.
http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/historic-schools/additional-resources/community_centered_schools.html
3. Keynote speaker presentations at the Annual Safe Routes to School Coordinators meeting in May 2008. Presentations by Tim Arnade, Tim Torma, Howie Frumkin, and Chris Nelson. The National Center for Safe Routes to School site has all these presentations here:
http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/resources/webinars_srts2008.cfm
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Q. STUDIES: Have there been any studies on school siting in Illinois?
A. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has produced a strategy paper on school siting in Northeast Illinois. The information can be accessed HERE .
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Q. NI ISSUES: I am looking for fresh ideas on education, encouragement, and enforcement. Do you have any ideas?
A. Yes. Please click HERE for a list of education, encouragement and enforcement ideas that have been incorporated by communities and schools through Illinois. Each of these ideas was submitted and described as a part of a School Travel Plan.
While identifying details have been changed, THANK YOU to all of the schools and communities who are coming up with these exciting and innovative ideas!! Keep up the GREAT work!
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Q. NI ISSUES: Are there any materials available with ideas of the best ways to include students with disabilities in Walk to School Day (or SRTS events, in general)?
A. Yes, the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability, in conjunction with the Mayor's Council on Fitness (Chicago) created the flier located HERE .
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Q. NI ISSUES: Are there any examples of materials that our Student Patrol can use to "ticket" drivers who are parking in inappropriate areas?
A. Thank you to Jennifer Hefferan, SRTS Coordinator for Washington DC for the following information on the Student Patrol at Murch Elementary, 2009 Oberstar Award winners...:
One of our schools created these “tickets” and their Student Safety Patrols give them out to drivers who are creating an unsafe environment for the walkers/bicyclists.
It’s been really successful at this school, so much so that they don’t really need to use the tickets anymore! The arrival was extremely chaotic before (making the situation dangerous for walkers) and now it runs really smoothly. I’m told that one of the kids was very proud to give a ticket to his mom last spring!
Click HERE for a template. If you would like this form is a Word document, please e-mail the Illinois SRTS Coordinator.
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Q. NI ISSUES: I am looking for ideas that we can include in our encouragement and education program. Do you have some to share?
A. Yes! Please click HERE for several ideas that have been shared by communities throughout Illinois. Also, please visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School for additional ideas from across the nation.
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Q. NI ISSUES: Is there any curricula available to teachers who would like to incorporate SRTS into their classrooms?
A. Getting SRTS into the Classroom — Free Materials Available...
The ability to offer schools lesson plans and curricula that are ready to use makes it much easier for Safe Routes to School concepts to be integrated into the classroom. Free, downloadable resources are available from a variety of sources. Resources are grouped by whether the focus is pedestrian and bicycle safety skills or the environmental benefits of walking and bicycling. See www.walktoschool.org
Additionally, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition has released their new curriculum. It is available at: http://iowabicyclecoalition.org/node/91
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Q. NI ISSUES: When is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day this year (2010)? Is there a proclamation?
A. Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is May 4, 2010. You can find the proclamation HERE .
Consider doing something special for your crossing guards today, whether it is providing them with a cup of coffee or cold drink or providing them with a thank you letter, similar to what the Chicago Department of Transportation has provided in the past. An example of the letter they provided, written by a student, is available (2089).
Think of a fun and meaningful way to say THANKS!
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Q. NI ISSUES: Where can I find example materials from a successful Caught Being Good program?
A. Wilmette has generously shared examples of their successful Caught Being Good program.
HERE is a sample press release.
HERE is a sample letter to merchants, requesting participation.
HERE is a sample survey that they send to merchants who have participated.
HERE is a sample of the coupon that they provide to the Wilmette Police Department to hand out to those children "caught" wearing their helmets!
THANKS WILMETTE!!
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Q. GENERAL: I would like more information about accidents in my area. Is there any tool that can help me to find this information?
A. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership recently shared with us an exciting new mapping tool, which might be very helpful to you: http://www.saferoadmaps.org/home
The program takes the FARS fatality data from 2003 to present and cross-references it with mapping tools, so that the user can pinpoint exact accident locations. For example, you could type in the address of a school and see what accidents have happened nearby pintpointed on the map - then you can click for the details of when it happened and what the circumstances were.
You can also look at state maps, and then refine them based on criteria (i.e., criteria: bike/ped accidents and age). For instance, you could create a map for Maryland and then refined to only show pedestrians killed between the ages of 0 and 16. Then for each, you can click on the pinpoint to see the details - one for example showed a 1-year old pedestrian killed by a drunk driver.
They also have "heat mapping" to show areas where there is a higher concentration of accidents.
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Q. GENERAL: What is the status of the 2008 Funding Cycle and applications review?
A. The scoring process for the applications began on March 25th, after a long delay with the finalization of the new online scoring tool, which I had originally hoped would be ready by January 5th, 2009. The good news is that the original site developer stepped in with assistance and the tool was completed and just finished enough to start using within the past week (March 18).
The scoring committee committed to a quick turnaround of the applications now that the scoring system is ready, and they are setting an aggressive goal – to have the first round of reviews completed by mid-April, roughly one month from the start date, and the second round completed in mid-late May, with a final list ready at the end of May. We are shooting for a June announcement.
I am very hopeful that this will happen, but we cannot firmly commit to that date, because it is possible that it could take the scoring committee longer than they expect to get their scoring done. Also, after we make our recommendations the list will go through a few levels of approval/sign off before we can actually make the announcement.
But, overall, we are very hopeful for a June announcement.
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Q. GENERAL: How long does reimbursement take?
A. Please check with your local roads district office about their timeframe for reimbursing the infrastructure projects. Non infrastructure can typically be reimbursed in 6-8 weeks, depending on coordinator availability.
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Q. GENERAL: When we are using the data collection tool provided by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, is it better to enter individual or aggregate data results for our student travel tallies and parent surveys?
A. It is better to have the individual Parent Surveys and/or Student Travel Tally forms entered into the system as opposed to having aggregated information inputted into the system. The online system takes the individual survey information and aggregates it to the individual school level.
For example if you collect 100 parent surveys in the Fall 2008 for Sample Elementary, each of those surveys will be individually inputted into the system and a Fall 2008 Parent Survey Report can be generated based on the data contained in those 100 surveys.
If you have another school that you collected 75 Parent Surveys also in Fall 2008, those 75 individual Parent Surveys will be entered into the system under that particular school and the system will generate a report showing survey results from parents at that school.
Please keep in mind that if you are funded with Illinois SRTS funds, you will be required to enter your data with the National Center's data tool.
If you have additional questions, please contact:
Austin Brown, MPH MRP
Program Manager
National Center for Safe Routes to School, Highway Safety Research Center University of North Carolina
919.843.6794
brown@hsrc.unc.edu
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Q. GENERAL: Can I use Survey Monkey to administer my SRTS surveys?
A. Yes, but if you would like to do so, you will first need to contact Austin Brown at the National Center for Safe Routes to School.
Austin will assist you in setting up the survey so that the data response options and output files on Survey Monkey are generated in a manner that matches the variable names and data structure we use in the national database.
For assistance with this, please contact:
Austin Brown, MPH MRP
Program Manager
National Center for Safe Routes to School, Highway Safety Research Center University of North Carolina
919.843.6794
brown@hsrc.unc.edu
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Q. GENERAL: What communities participated in Safe Routes to School during the 2008 planning and funding cycle?
A. Please see the list of approved plans and communities here: HERE .
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Q. STP/APP: I can see files listed in my GLOBAL files list, but my application (or plan) says that there are no files attached? Can you see these? How do I attach the files?
A. We cannot see the files uploaded to your personal Global Files list. They must be attached to the application. To attach them to the project, follow the directions below:
Log in and click on the Continue Application link to the right of your application.
You should be on a page titled: PREPARE A FUNDING APPLICATION.
Scroll down a little to the area that says PROJECTS FOR FUNDING APPLICATION. Pick your project, and click on Edit.
You are now on a page titled EDIT PROJECT. There is a GUI with the green/yellow/red "lights" at the top of the page.
Right below that, in big letters is a link: Click HERE to add files to this project.
When you click on that, it will take you to the file/image upload page. Make sure that you follow the instructions on that page to a "T". Once you have ATTACHED a file to the project, it will show up back on the EDIT PROJECT page under the "lights".
Please keep in mind that you will need to upload your letters of support for all projects. You must have a letter from the school authority on both types of application (INF and Non INF), and must have a letter from the local road jurisdiction on the INF application only. Also, if you are doing any work on a state road, you must have a letter of allowance from IDOT attached.
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Q. STP/APP: How do I ATTACH FILES to my application?
A. Log in and click on the Continue Application link to the right of your application.
You should be on a page titled: PREPARE A FUNDING APPLICATION.
Scroll down a little to the area that says PROJECTS FOR FUNDING APPLICATION. Pick your project, and click on Edit.
You are now on a page titled EDIT PROJECT. There is a GUI with the green/yellow/red "lights" at the top of the page.
Right below that, in big letters is a link: Click HERE to add files to this project.
When you click on that, it will take you to the file/image upload page. Make sure that you follow the instructions on that page to a "T". Once you have ATTACHED a file to the project, it will show up back on the EDIT PROJECT page under the "lights".
Please keep in mind that you will need to upload your letters of support for all projects. You must have a letter from the school authority on both types of application (INF and Non INF), and must have a letter from the local road jurisdiction on the INF application only. Also, if you are doing any work on a state road, you must have a letter of allowance from IDOT attached.
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Q. STP/APP: Where can I find the legend for the GIS map?
A. To see the GIS instructions and legend, please visit: http://www.dot.il.gov/saferoutes/Files/Section9.pdf
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Q. STP/APP: Do I need to include the pictures that I attached to my plan in the application, or will the reviewers have the plan and application when they do the review?
A. Yes, you need to attach the information to the application, even if you attached it to the plan. With the high volume of applications that we receive, the committee cannot look at all of the plans in addition to the applications. It should be really easy though, because you have already uploaded the files to your global files list, and all that you have to do is attach those files from the global to the application.
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Q. GENERAL: Where can I get the handouts from the 2008 Statewide SRTS training?
A. For the best practices, web resources and general information on the 2008 program click:
HERE , HERE , and HERE .
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Q. GENERAL: Can the project components be reimbursed incrementally or does it have to be a lump sum when all projects are complete?
A. Projects can be reimbursed incrementally. Please check with your local roads district office about their rules for the infrastructure projects. Non infrastructure can be reimbursed in $5000 increments.
See elsewhere in the FAQ for the typical timeframe for the completion of Infrastructure/Engineering projects.
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Q. GENERAL: Do all the projects awarded in 2009 have to be completed in 2009?
A. No, the information on the projects is as follows:
Infrastructure must be completed within 3 years of your notice to proceed (signed and executed agreement) with IDOT. See elsewhere in the FAQ for the typical timeframe for the completion of Infrastructure/Engineering projects.
Non infrastructure must be completed within 1 year of the notice to proceed (signed and executed contract).
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Q. GENERAL: If we were to get our project funded, when would we find out?
A. Unsure. This depends on multiple factors, including the volume of applications, the amount of time that the scoring committee must take to review all of the applications, and receiving final approval of the committee's list. We hope that the announcements will be made in the spring, but this is just a guess-timate. The timetable for selection is still being determined.
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Q. STP/APP: Where can I find a sample resolution for our SRTS Application?
A. Click here HERE . You may also use a typical city council or school board resolution or letter of support. All resolutions and letters of support must be attached to your application, and should not be sent as hard copies to IDOT.
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Q. STP/APP: Is there a size limit for file uploads?
A. The file size limit for uploaded files is 3.9 Mb. This is a per image/file limit. You can upload multiple individual files that are each up to 3.9 Mb in size.
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Q. NI ISSUES: What schools in Illinois participated in International Walk to School Day 2008? What about 2009?
A. Please visit the official Walk to School Day website for a list of the schools particpating in 2009 Walk to School Day/Month events. You may also register your event at this site!
http://www.walktoschool.org/who/seestate.cfm?st=IL
In 2008, there were 152 events registered, happening in the following communities:
Addison
Aurora
Bartlett
Batavia
Belleville
Berwyn
Blue Island
Braceville
Brookport
Burr Ridge
Carol Stream
Champaign
Chicago
Clarendon Hills
Columbia
Country Club Hills
Decatur
Des Plaines
Dolton
Elmhurst
Evanston
Evergreen Park
Glen Ellyn
Glendale Heights
Harvey
Highland Park
Hinckley
Hinsdale
Hoffman Estates
Johnsburg
Lake Bluff
Lake Zurich
Lansing
Lincolnwood
Lockport
Lombard
Loves Park
Machesney Park
Maryville
Metropolis
Midlothian
Monee
Naperville
Northbrook
Northfield
O'Fallon
Oak Park
Palatine
Park Ridge
Plano
Prospect Heights
River Forest
Riverside
Robinson
Sandwich
Schaumburg
Skokie
South Wilmington
Urbana
Wheaton
Wilmette
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Q. STP/APP: How do I submit my School Travel Plan?
A. On your plan, at the bottom of your “green lights”, there will be a button to submit the plan. Just click it and it will come in to SafeRoutes. You will get an e-mail from SafeRoutes saying that you have submitted your plan.
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Q. STP/APP: How do I attach documents to my School Travel Plan?
A. To add a file to your Plan, you must upload your documents to your "global" document list. After you have done that, you must follow the instructions below:
First enter a name/description in the box below and then click select next to the corresponding file.
If the file is an image to be used for a logo for your Plan printout, click the logo checkbox.
After you have attached your files to the plan, please verify that the files have been attached.
Files that have been successfully attached will show up both on the main page of your plan, under the index, and also on this page under Listed below are the files that are associated with the Application, Plan or Project.
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Q. STP/APP: How do I clone my School Travel Plan?
A. If you had an approved School Travel Plan during the previous planning and application cycle, this is a way for the system to automatically generate a new plan for the 2008 cycle that will be pre-populated with the data from your approved 2007 STP. You will still need to go through the plan and update your information for 2008. This is a tool to help your team have a foundation on which to build, improving and updating your previous plan with new data, information and solutions. We anticipate that this option will become available in the next week. Please note that, if you choose to use the clone plan function, you will still need to provide detailed updated information for the current plan cycle.
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Q. STP/APP: I would like to have a private school added to the schools list so that I can include it in my SRTS plan. What information do I need to provide?
A. We require a little extra information to be able to add any schools are not in the ISBE database. In order to add these schools, please provide the following information so we can add the schools to Safe Routes.
• Full school name:
• Street address:
• City:
• Zip code:
• County:
• School administrator:
• Telephone number:
• Enrollment:
• Grades served:
• State representative number:
• State senator number:
• Federal congressional district number:
• School district code:
Additionally, in order to correctly locate your school on GIS, we will also need any cross streets that are adjacent to your school location.
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Q. NI ISSUES: Where can I find information in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices about Adult Crossing Guards and Student Crossing Guards?
A. Information on Crossing Guards can be found at:
http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2003r1r2/part7/part7e.htm
in Chapter 7E. Crossing Supervision.
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Q. GENERAL: Where can I find information from the Illinois SRTS Conference that was held in August of 2008?
A. Please contact Megan Holt Swanson, SRTS Coordinator, for copies of the presentations.
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Q. NI ISSUES: Can I get a copy of the proclamation for International Walk to School Day and Month in Illinois?
A. NI ISSUES: Yes! This proclamation was issued by the Governors Office in September 2008. HERE
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Q. GENERAL: Are there any Illinois examples of informational handouts that a school or community could use to publicize their SRTS plans and programs at the beginning of the school year?
A. Yes. For an example, please click HERE . Special thanks to Jennifer Selby in Urbana for allowing us to use this, and to Cynthia Hoyle for passing this along!
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Q. GENERAL: What are eligible activities for SRTS?
A. A pdf version listing fundable activities is available on our website under the ILLINOIS PROGRAM link and is also pasted below. Non eligible activities include: Recurring and operational costs (salaries, overhead) with the exception of engineering costs; Reorganization of drop-off/pick-up zones primarily to benefit drivers; School bus safety programs; and Bus stop improvements.
List of 5 “E” funding for Illinois
Evaluation
• Costs for data gathering, analysis and evaluation reporting at the local project level.
• Photocopying, duplication and printing costs, including cd’s/dvd’s, etc.
• Mailing costs
• Counting the # of students who walk and bicycle to and from school
• Tracking the # of crashes within 2 miles of school
• Measuring parent/guardian perceptions of safety
• Obtaining planning services for expanding/improving an existing SRTS plan
Engineering
• Sidewalk Improvements
o New Sidewalk
o Sidewalk Repair
o Sidewalk Gap Closure
o Sidewalk Widening
o Sidewalk Curb
o Sidewalk Curb Ramp
• Traffic Calming/Speed Reduction
o Roundabout/Traffic Circle
o Bulb-out
o Speed Bump/Hump/Table
o Raised Crossing
o Median Refuge/Center Crossing
o Narrowed Traffic Lane
o Chicane
o Choker
o Lane Reductions
o Full/Half Street Closure
o Automated Speed Enforcement
• Traffic Control Devices
o New/Upgraded Traffic Signal
o New Pavement Markings
o New Traffic Striping
o In-Roadway Crossing Light
o Flashing Beacons
o Bike Sensitive Signal Actuation Devices
o Pedestrian Activated Signal Upgrades
o Pedestrian Countdown Signals
o Vehicle Speed Feedback Signs
• Traffic Diversion
o Separation of bicycles and pedestrians from traffic adjacent to school facilities
o Traffic diversion away from school zone or designated route to school
o New/Revised Pick-up/Drop-off Zone
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing Improvements
o Crossing
o Median Refuge
o Raised Crossing
o Sight Distance Improvements
o Pedestrian Bridge
o Pedestrian Tunnel
• On Street Bicycle Facilities
o New/Upgraded Bike Lane
o Widened Outside Lanes/Shoulders
o Geometric Improvements
o Turning Lanes
o Channelization
o Roadway Realignment
o Traffic Signs
o Pavement Markings
• Off Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
o Exclusive Multi-Use Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail that is separated from the roadway
• Secure Bicycle Parking Facilities
o Bike Racks
o Bike Lockers
o Designated Area with Safety Lighting
o Covered Bike Shelters
Enforcement
• Costs for additional equipment needed for enforcement activities
o Create a crossing guard training program
o Create a parent or student patrol program
o Lower speed limits in school vicinity
o Utilize speed feedback trailers or signs
Education
• Creation of educational materials
• Bicycle and pedestrian and pedestrian safety curricula, materials and trainers.
o Teach pedestrian and bicycle safety skills to students and parents
o Organize a bicycle rodeo to teach on bike skills
o Teach personal safety skills to students and parents
o Teach the health, environmental and sustainable transportation benefits of walking and bicycling to students
o Educate parents and caregivers about safe driving procedures at the school
• Training, including SRTS training workshops that target school and community level audiences
Encouragement
• Creation of promotional materials
• Modest incentives for SRTS contests
o Initiate a reward program for safe travel behaviors among students
• Incentives that encourage more walking and bicycling over time
o Start a walking school bus program
o Start a bike train program
o Host International Walk to School Day or other special event
o Initiate a walking/biking mileage club or other contest
o Create a park & walk program
o Promote SRTS in the community
o Start
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Q. GENERAL: Where can I find the SRTS introductory PowerPoint, handout and talking points that have been created by the National Center for Safe Routes to School?
A. The National Center for Safe Routes to School has a downloadable PowerPoint presentation (5 MB) and script that may be useful:
http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/resources/marketing_presentations.cfm
A handout that describes Safe Routes to School is available at:
http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/resources/marketing_flyers-and-postcards.cfm
The talking points are available at:
http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/resources/marketing_talking-points.cfm
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Q. STP/APP: Can we use any of our surveys or documents from last year's School Travel Plan in our plan for this year? If so, what can be reused and what needs to be new?
A. Parent Surveys: As long as you believe that the perceptions remain the same, you would be able to use these over a 2 year period. Make sure that you identify that these are from the previous year.
In School Teacher/Student Surveys: I would STRONGLY RECOMMEND doing these surveys annually/new each school year. I would also strongly suggest entering them in the database at the National Center for Safe Routes to School.
Resolution from the City/ School District: These should be new each year, and be specific to the projects for which you are applying during this funding cycle. Remember that a resolution/letter of support from the school district is a REQUIREMENT for all infrastructure and non-infrastructure applications. Additionally, in cases of infrastructure applications, and additional letter of support from the sponsoring governmental agency (city, county, township, etc) is also required.
Community Surveys: As long as you believe that the community perceptions remain the same, you would be able to use these over a 2 year period. To be on the safe side, though, I would recommend updating these annually. If you choose to re-use this information, make sure that you identify that these are from the previous year.
Open House Documents: As long as you believe that the community perceptions remain the same, you would be able to use these over a 2 year period. To be on the safe side, though, I would recommend updating these annually. If you choose to re-use this information, make sure that you identify that these are from the previous year.
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Q. NI ISSUES: What kinds of laws are on the books in Illinois regarding the use of crosswalks and crosswalk enforcement?
A. Please look at the Illinois Compiled Statutes for additional information, or contact your local police department for more information. This information is available in 625 ILCS 5/Chapter 11 Article X - PEDESTRIANS' RIGHTS AND DUTIES. This information is a part of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
This includes information on on edestrians' right-of-way at crosswalks (625 ILCS 5/11-1002)and specific information, effective January 1, 2008, on Pedestrians' right-of-way at crosswalks in school zones(625 ILCS 5/11-1002) Sec. 11-1002.5.
For example, Illinois Public Act 95-0302 (625 ILCS 5/11-1002) Sec. 11-1002.5.: Creates the offense of failure to stop for or yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk in a school zone. Provides that a first violation is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $150. Provides that a second or subsequent violation is a petty offense with a minimum fine of $300. Provides for the assessment of additional fees. Provides that certain provisions allowing for the imposition of court supervision do not apply to the new offense. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code and the Unified Code of Corrections. Effective January 1, 2008.
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Q. INF ISSUES: I am interested in engineering strategies that may help our small, rural community. Are there any resources available on this issue?
A. Yes. Iowa State University recently released a study on traffic calming techniques for small Iowa towns. I believe that this resource is applicable to many of the small and rural communities in Illinois. With permission from the Iowa DOT, the abstract of the study and its web address are below.
Abstract: Many rural communities have developed around highways or major county roads; as a result, the main street through small rural communities is often part of a high-speed rural highway. Highways and county roads are characterized by high speeds outside the city limits; they then transition into a reduced speed section through the rural community. Consequently, drivers passing through the community often enter at high speeds and maintain those speeds as they travel through the community. Traffic calming in small rural communities along major roadways is common in Europe, but the U.S. does not have experience with applying traffic-calming measures outside of major urban areas.
The purpose of the project was to evaluate traffic-calming treatments on the major road through small Iowa communities using either single-measure low-cost or gateway treatments. The project was partially funded by the Iowa Highway Research Board (IHRB). The focus of the IHRB portion was to evaluate single-measure, low-cost, traffic-calming measures that are appropriate to major roads through small rural communities. 7 different low-cost traffic treatments were implemented and evaluated in 5 rural Iowa communities. The research evaluated the use of 2 gateway treatments in Union and Roland; 5 single-measure treatments (speed table, on-pavement "SLOW" markings, a driver speed feedback sign, tubular markers, and on-pavement entrance treatments) were evaluated in Gilbert, Slater, and Dexter.
This resource, Appropriate Traffic Calming Techniques for Small Iowa Communities (TR-523) can be accessed at: http://www.ctre.iastate.edu/research/detail.cfm?projectID=-226410767.
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Q. STP/APP: Where can I find information on the GIS mapping component?
A. Please visit the Resources page of this website for information on the GIS mapping.
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Q. NI ISSUES: Do you have any examples of Lesson Plans that we can use to tie-in with Safe Routes to School?
A. YES! Please visit the following websites for some great lesson plans and ideas... All are freely available for download:
Kentucky SRTS worked with a university to create the lessons and information at their website. This site includes lesson plans, a teacher's guide, vocabulary definitions and curriculum guide, along with other great resources. (Thanks to KY SRTS for sharing this information!!)
http://saferoutes.ky.gov/LessonPlan.html
The National Center for SRTS has recently posted lesson plans for pedestrian and bicycle education and others on environment and mode choice. Most are progressive, with one grade's learning objectives building on the previous grade. There is some overlap in the programs listed as a few address both safety and environmental angle.
http://www.walktoschool.org/resources
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Q. STP/APP: What is the point system for scoring SRTS applications?
A. The SRTS Scoring Criteria are set on a 50 Point Scale. The information below shows the application section name, the number of points available (in parentheses) and the criteria that it applies to, including its' number in the Public Act 94-493. The applications are reviewed by the SRTS Implementation Committee in a two-tiered scoring process. The first tier is that each application is reviewed by a member of the committee. Then, each committee member’s top scoring projects are scored by the other members of their cohort. These scores are averaged, and the top scoring projects are funded.
A. Contact Information Sheet/STP Information: (TOTAL 2 Pts) Proximity to parks and rec facilities (#7)
B. General Project Focus: (TOTAL: 3 Pts.)
Clearly demonstrates how this project addresses SRTS concerns as outlined in Public Act 94-493.
C. Demonstration of Need: 15Pts (TOTAL: 6 Pts)
Demonstrated Needs of Grant Applicant(#1); Potential for reducing child injuries and fatalities (#2)
D. Hazards and Barriers: (TOTAL: 8 Pts)
Identification of Safety Hazards (#4); Identification of current and potential walking/biking routes to school (#5)
E. Potential to Improve: (TOTAL: 15 Pts)
Potential of proposal for encouraging increased walking and bicycling among students (#3); Potential for reducing child injuries and fatalities (#2)
F. Project Detail and Cost: 10 Pts (TOTAL 15 Pts)
Addresses all criteria with exception of park/recreational facility. Clearly and completely explains details and costs of requested project.
G. Consultation and Support: 10 Pts (TOTAL 1 Pts)
Consultation and support… (#6)(Letters of Support/Resolutions are REQUIRED for application approval)
They are scored by a committee of reviewers.
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Q. GENERAL: How much SRTS funding is available for the 2008 Funding Cycle?
A. We will be combining the remaining SRTS funds for Federal Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009 for Illinois' 2008 Funding Cycle. This means that there will be roughly $13 million available for this funding cycle. This is the balance of Illinois' allocation for SRTS funding in SAFETEA-LU.
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Q. STP/APP: Do you have any hints on how to make our application the best it can be for the 2008 funding cycle?
A. Yes, please refer to the Best Practices document. It was compiled based on feedback from the SRTS Implementation (Scoring) Committee. HERE
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Q. GENERAL: Is there information available showing the distribution of the 2007 Safe Routes to School funds?
A. Yes, please see this document for a breakdown of how Illinois' 2007 funding cycle was allocated. HERE
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Q. STP/APP: Is the individual score available for my application from last year?
A. No, we are unable to share that information. However, we do have a Best Practices document that may help you to improve your next application. HERE
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Q. INF ISSUES: What are the steps that our municipality or county must follow to implement our SRTS infrastructure project?
A. The basic steps are outlined in this document. For the complete and in-depth process required by IDOT and FHWA, contact your IDOT District Local Roads Office. They will be happy to work with you to initiate this process and to answer any questions that you may have. They will also be able to share with you the timeframe for completing this process and for reimbursement for completed work. HERE
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Q. GENERAL: What communities in Illinois participated in the Safe Routes to School planning process during the Spring 2007 cycle?
A. For a list of these communities, please see the document HERE .
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Q. INF ISSUES: Where can I find a copy of the Circular Letter from IDOT Local Roads?
A. Click HERE
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Q. STP/APP: Do you have to create/complete an application for every strategy that was identified on your school travel plan?
A. No, you only have the ability to complete project funding requests for the strategies for which you are asking for SRTS funding this year. For example, if you are asking for new signage, paid for with SRTS funds, but are also planning to host International Walk to School Day using funding from a local business, you only need to complete an application for the signage. If you are NOT planning to use SRTS funding for a project, it should not be in your application. If you are asking for SRTS funding, the project should be part of your application.
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Q. STP/APP: Do you have to have a resolution AND a letter of support from each jurisdiction?
A. No, from a jurisdiction, you need either a letter OR a resolution of support for the project(s).
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Q. STP/APP: I already attached the map (resolution, letter, etc) to the plan. Do I need to attach it again to the application?
A. Yes, you will need to attach all applicable letters/resolutions of support, maps and any additional documents to your application, even if it was also attached to your travel plan. This means that a document or map may be attached to both your plan and your application individually and separately. For each application, you should attach a letter of support for each jurisdiction impacted.
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Q. STP/APP: Can I easily re-order my priorities once they are in my application?
A. Yes, you will be able to move projects up and down using the "Move Up" and "Move Down" buttons on your application page.
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Q. STP/APP: Sometimes, when I am working on a page in my application for a long period of time, my information doesn’t save and I get taken back to the home page. Why?
A. There is a “time out” of around 40 minutes, set by the state agency that manages our computer servers. This means that if you are working on a single page for that long without any communication between your computer and the server, you will “time out”. If you are constantly interrupted when working on your application, or simply have a great deal of information that you are adding to one page, save frequently.
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Q. STP/APP: In student demographics, we have a ethnic groups, such as Native American and Multi-racial/Ethnic listed for our district that are not represented in the student demographics chart, but there is no option for multi-racial/ethnic on the demographics chart. What do I do?
A. If you have students who are included in the category “multi-racial/ethnic”, please enter the data in the box labeled "other".
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Q. GENERAL: Does my municipality need to match the state funds?
A. No, your municipality does not have to provide a match for Safe Routes to School funding. This program is 100% federally funded with no match required.
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Q. GENERAL: Who is eligible to apply for funding?
A. Any government entity (State, regional or local) and any non-profit organization may apply for Safe Routes to School funds.
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Q. GENERAL: For how much may we apply?
A. One infrastructure and one non-infrastructure application permitted per school district*
(*exception for Chicago Public Schools)
One Infrastructure Application per school district:
$250,000 funding limit for total application, with up to a 3 project maximum
$2,000 minimum funding per individual project
Associated municipality, county, township, or park district must sponsor – school districts and non-profits may not sponsor
All infrastructure projects must be within 2 miles of a public or private that houses any combination of students in grades K-8
One Non-infrastructure Application per school district:
$100,000 funding limit for total application, with up to a 3 project maximum
$2,000 minimum funding per individual project
School district, municipality, county, township, or park district or non-profit may sponsor
For all applications, the school district must prioritize the projects in their applications. They will prioritize infrastructure and non-infrastructure separately.
Individual projects will be fully funded, but it is possible that entire applications will not.
*Because all Chicago public schools fall under Chicago Public Schools’ application, we recommend that they are allowed a total of 5 applications, 3 Infrastructure and 2 Non-Infrastructure. This multiplier is based on the enrollment data provided to us from the Illinois State Board of Education, showing a total of 1.3 million public school students attending school daily statewide. The 2007 average daily attendance for K-8 schools in Cook County schools was 494,829 students, roughly five times greater than the average daily attendance of the next largest county – DuPage, with 98,703 students attending. The funding cap per application will remain the same, making Chicago Public Schools eligible for $750,000 in Infrastructure and $200,000 in Non-Infrastructure Funding.
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Q. GENERAL: What kinds of projects are eligible?
A. Both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects are eligible for Safe Routes funding.
For a detailed list of fundable activities, please click HERE
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Q. STP/APP: STP: What is a School Travel Plan and why do I need to create one?
A. The Illinois School Travel Plan is an online planning tool, accessible through the Illinois SRTS web site. The Plan allows you to create a personalized School Travel Plan individual to your own school and community. A School Travel Plan is a great tool for your community to use in determining the barriers that it faces for bicyclists and pedestrians. It then guides you in establishing the steps that can be taken to make your environment a better place for students to walk and bike.
For more information on the School Travel Plan, please click HERE.
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Q. GENERAL: By what criteria will applications be judged?
A. The applications will be judged based on the criteria set forth in Illinois Public Act 94-493, The Safe Routes to School Construction Program, signed into law on August 8, 2005. Those criteria are the:
1. demonstrated needs of the grant applicant;
2. potential of the proposal for reducing child injuries and fatalities;
3. potential of the proposal for encouraging increased walking and bicycling among students;
4. identification of safety hazards;
5. identification of current and potential walking and bicycling routes to school;
6. consultation and support for projects by school-based associations, local traffic engineers, local elected officials, law enforcement agencies, and school officials; and
7. proximity to parks and other recreational facilities.
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Q. GENERAL: What is the timetable for selection?
A. The timetable for selection is still being determined.
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Q. GENERAL: What are the upfront costs for communities?
A. The Safe Routes to School Program sponsors will reimburse the sponsors for their awarded project cost. Sponsors of non-infrastructure projects will need to have sufficient funds for the entire project prior to reimbursement.
Sponsors of infrastructure projects may choose a local letting process or IDOT letting process. If using the IDOT letting process, the state will front the funding for the construction of the project.
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Q. GENERAL: Can projects be funded retroactively?
A. No projects will be funded retroactively. Because of the way that the program works, and the way that the funding agreements and reimbursements will work, it would be impossible to retroactively approve plans and create funding agreements.
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Q. INF ISSUES: Can SRTS funding be used for in-house engineering? For example, may we fund our existing staff or does it need to be bid out?
A. Yes, you may use SRTS funding for in-house engineering for infrastructure projects selected through the SRTS program. The SRTS program will not cover expenses incurred until after the notice to proceed has been given. There will be no retroactive funding for costs incurred prior to the notice to proceed.
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Q. INF ISSUES: What design standards will the engineering projects be held to?
A. Standards and procedures are outlined in Part III and IV of the BLRS Manual, http://www.dot.il.gov/blr/manuals/blrmanual.html.
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Q. INF ISSUES: What kinds of lettings will be allowed for SRTS projects?
A. We will be allowing both IDOT and local lettings for these projects; however local lettings for infrastructure projects will require prior approval through your Districts Local Roads office.
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Q. INF ISSUES: Are there any special procedures that locals need to go through to get a local letting?
A. Request it through their District Bureau of Local Roads offices with their reasons why and justification that the local agency is adequately staffed to conduct a local letting as outlined in Chapter 24 of the BLRS manual, http://www.dot.il.gov/blr/manuals/blrmanual.html.
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Q. INF ISSUES: I need to contact my IDOT Local Roads Engineer regarding a project in the state right-of-way or IDOT standards questions, but I don’t know who I should call.
A. Please refer to the map below to determine who your Local Roads Engineer is and how you can contact him/her.
For a map of IDOT Districts, please click
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Q. INF ISSUES: Can these funds be used for improvements to railroad crossings?
A. There is nothing in the federal legislation that prohibits the use of SRTS funds for these types of improvements. However, unless it is absolutely necessary, keeping pedestrian traffic from crossing RR tracks is typically a safer alternative. We suggest considering the use of alternate funding using Railroads funds instead of SRTS funding for this type of project. We would also suggest considering applying for non-infrastructure funding for enforcement and education projects.
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Q. INF ISSUES: Can SRTS funds be used to compliment another project that is already planned? For example, if a sidewalk completion project is already on the table, can SRTS funding supplement the project?
A. Yes, you may apply for SRTS funding as a portion of a project that you are currently planning to do.
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Q. INF ISSUES: Can SRTS funds be used as the local match for other federal projects?
A. No, SRTS funds may not be used as the local match for any other federal project.
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Q. INF ISSUES: Can I use MFT funds to “front” the money for our Safe Routes project?
A. It is possible, depending on what the project. For information on acceptable uses of MFT funds, please see page 21, 23 and 27 of the booklet “Motor Fuel Tax Funds – Source, Distribution and Uses” at http://www.dot.state.il.us/blr/mftbooklet.pdf.
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Q. INF ISSUES: Who is required to maintain funded infrastructure projects?
A. The sponsoring agency must make the appropriate arrangements to maintain their funded infrastructure project for 20 years, per federal requirements.
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Q. GENERAL: What happens if we requested a specific amount of funding for our project but it ends up costing more than what we requested? For example, we requested $200,000 for our bike path, and the actual cost will be $300,000?
A. The amounts that are funded are “do not exceed” amounts, meaning that the amount that you have been awarded is the maximum amount of money that you can receive for that project. You will be responsible for completing the project using your own funds.
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Q. STP/APP: Speed feedback signs and trailers are listed under both the Engineering and Enforcement options. What is the difference?
A. Under Engineering, fixed (installed in the ground) speed feedback signs are eligible. The option under Enforcement is for portable speed feedback devices and trailers, those that can be re-located as necessary. In both cases, these devices must be used within a 2 mile radius of the school, and solely for school zone speed enforcement efforts.
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