Wrapping Up A Successful First Year Of Our Safe Routes Philly Program

We are proud to release the report on Year 1 of our Safe Routes Philly (SRP) program. The full report is available on our Safe Routes Philly website. SRP is an active piece in the Campaign for Healthier Schools*, a campaign working to increase physical activity and the consumption of healthier foods in Philadelphia Schools.

In brief, SRP provides pedestrian and bicycle safety lessons to Philadelphia public elementary schools. Our 2nd grade pedestrian safety lessons and our 5th grade bicycle safety lessons are provided to teachers free of cost. These lessons, supplemented by materials and websites, are aimed at encouraging students to walk and/or bike to school regularly and safely. In 2010, 66.3% of adults and 40.7% of children living in Philadelphia were overweight or obese. Encouraging students to walk or bike safely to school provides vital exercise which helps combat this serious health problem.

SRP is a program made possible by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Bicycle Coalition is a partner in the Get Healthy Philly initiative, which aims to make it easier for Philadelphians to engage in healthier behaviors (like active transportation). SRP promotes behavioral change in people's active modes of transportation through education and encouragement.

Some impact highlights:

• In its first year (2010-2011), SRP curriculum reached nearly 20,000 Philadelphia 2nd and 5th grade students.
• 131 schools received teacher's guides, activity books for students, and instructional DVDs (all materials are available for free on our website).
• SRP hosted 7 Act 48-accredited professional development trainings attended by 150 teachers and educators.
• SRP developed a close and fruitful working relationship with the School District of Philadelphia and The Food Trust through the Campaign for Healthier Schools.

The full year-end report is available here. If you would like to learn more about Safe Routes Philly, please check out our website or contact Program Director, Diana Owens.

*The Campaign for Healthier Schools is a partnership between the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, The Food Trust, and the School District of Philadelphia.