Oswayo Valley Chosen For ‘Safe Routes To Schools’ Grant

Oswayo Valley School District has been awarded a grant of more than $460,000 to support walking and bicycling to school. Funds are provided through the Federal Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) program. Oswayo Valley will use the money to develop safe, handicapped-accessible, and well-lighted options for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The federal government began SRTS in response to a study showing that just 15 percent of students walk or ride bikes to school, compared to 50 percent in 1970. This has had an adverse effect on traffic congestion and air quality, as well as pedestrian and bicycle safety. In addition, a growing body of evidence has shown that children who lead sedentary lifestyles are at risk for a variety of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Parents consistently cite traffic danger as a reason why their children do not bicycle or walk to school.