OFFICIAL SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENT

FAIRFAX HAS BEEN SELECTED to participate in a federally funded program to encourage and support kids walking and biking to school regularly, routinely, and safely. The program integrates elements of transportation, economics, health and physical activity, environmental awareness and safety into one program. The Vermont SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL (SR2S) Program will provide support in the form of funding and services to participating schools. It is a comprehensive approach to improving education and infrastructure with several elements including encouraging walking and biking to school, traffic education and enforcement.

Funding and Services will also be provided for sidewalk improvements, traffic calming and speed reduction, pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements, on-street bike facilities, shared paths, bike parking, etc. A task force will work with local educators and town representatives to evaluate what is needed and facilitate improvements to the road/sidewalk/parking infrastructure. The task force is a collaborative with the Vt. Dept. of Health, Vt. Dept. of Education, American Heart Assoc., State Bicycle and Pedestrian Organizations, State land use planning organizations, Vt. Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs, Governor's Highway Safety Council/Law Enforcement, School Supervisory Union, and Regional Planning Commission. This is a wonderful opportunity for a collaborative effort in the town of Fairfax to encourage healthier activities, health and wellness education, and improve the road and sidewalk infrastructure to support the activity. Fairfax will be participating in this program for the next two school years.