Benefits of a Safe Routes to School Program

Did you know that the City of Decatur has had a Safe Routes to School program since 2005? Initially the program was coordinated by volunteer parent committees at each school. However, beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, the Decatur Active Living Division took on the management and development of Decatur’s programs. Each month the parent “Champions” from each school meet with Decatur Active Living staff to share ideas, solve issues, and plan events and programs. We also work with staff from GA Safe Routes to School Resource Center and GA Commute Schools.

On International Walk and Roll to School Day in October 2019, 2556 children (or 64%) walked or biked to school! Our program keeps growing and includes all city of Decatur schools. Students at the high school work with GA Commute Schools to plan their own special walk to school and bike to school days, and even did a carpool day during the 2018-2019 school year.

Walking or biking to school has many benefits, as seen on the info-graphic below.