CDOT Accepting Grant Applications to Make Colorado More Pedestrian- and Bicycle-Friendly

CDOT's Safe Routes to School Program opens applications for new projects


DENVER—CDOT's Colorado Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is accepting applications from schools, school districts, municipalities, counties and other eligible organizations for grants to help build infrastructure and expand non-infrastructure programs.

For the fiscal year 2017-2018 cycle of grants, SRTS will offer funding for education, enforcement, and encouragement projects that improve kindergarten through 8th grade students' skills and knowledge about safely bicycling and walking to and from school. Funding also is available for infrastructure projects to improve the built environment around elementary and middle schools that increase students' ability to walk and bicycle to school safely.

Infrastructure projects are eligible for up to $350,000 in grant funding, with $2 million in total funds available. A total of $500,000 is available for projects that focus on education, enforcement and encouragement.

Grants are awarded through a statewide, competitive process. Project selection will give consideration to schools where more than 50 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch.

The grant applications and instructions are due Nov. 1, 2017. You can also access this website to view statewide training sessions that offer guidance on the application process.

Examples of SRTS projects include:

  • train-the-trainer programs for school-based bicycle and pedestrian education
  • bicycle- and pedestrian-safety education and skills training
  • bike rodeos
  • crossing guard programs
  • Tires 'n Tennies Tuesdays, or Walking 'n Wheeling Wednesdays encouragement programs
  • Walking School Bus and Bicycle Trains
  • installation of new sidewalks
  • placement of traffic signs
  • pedestrian-/bicycle-crossing improvements
  • on-street bicycle lanes
  • bike racks

"Walking and bicycling to school enhances the health of our kids, improves air quality and reduces congestion around schools," says CDOT Safe Routes to School Program Manager Leslie Feuerborn. "Over the past 12 years, we have funded over 225 projects across the state that are bringing forth permanent changes that encourage a more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly Colorado, one community at a time. And we want to get more schools engaged."

Studies show that SRTS education and encouragement programs can increase the number of children walking and bicycling to and from school by five percent per year. Building crosswalks, sidewalks, and other bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure near schools can increase walking and bicycling by 18 percent.

Another great opportunity to engage students, parents and communities is the 21st Annual Walk to School Day, Oct. 4, 2017. Schools will be able to register online starting in late August at www.walkbiketoschool.org.

For additional information, contact Leslie Feuerborn at 303-757-9088.