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Communities invited to encourage walking, biking to school

Proposals accepted beginning September 24, but research can begin now

information provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (August 2018) – The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking proposals through the Safe Routes to School program for projects that help children walk and bike to school.

“Encouraging children from an early age to walk or bike to school promotes a healthy and active lifestyle that also benefits the environment,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “We are pleased to offer this exciting program to help communities throughout Illinois create safe and appealing routes to school to support these efforts.”

Administered by IDOT using federal funds, Safe Routes to School supports projects and activities that improve safety and reduce traffic in areas around elementary and middle schools. Improvements can include new sidewalks, efforts to reduce speeding and other traffic offenses, public education, and outreach programs.

Successful applications must demonstrate how their proposals encourage students to walk or bike. Eligible applicants include school districts, local governments, metropolitan planning organizations and nonprofit associations. Local matching funds are not required.

For more information, visit idot.illinois.gov or email [email protected].

Applications will be accepted starting September 24, however, those interested in applying are urged to visit the website now to become familiar with the process and the materials that will need to be submitted. The deadline to apply is November 19.

The awards will be announced in March.

 

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)https://idot.illinois.gov
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) facilitates the inter-connectivity of all transportation modes for the efficient movement of people and goods. The roots of the agency can be traced back more than a century, for as long as cars, highways, and air traffic have moved people around the state. IDOT sends traffic-related news releases to The Lansing Journal, and we publish those that are relevant to readers in our community.