Here are some exciting highlights and updates from the Transportation Authority of Marin's Safe Routes to School program!
International Walk to School Month
Brookside Walk to School Day
International Walk to School Day dawned to sunny skies despite threats of a major storm. San Anselmo schools brought hundreds of people into the streets with Kidical Mass on Butterfield Road and San Anselmo Ave. Other schools rescheduled which means folks will see kids riding and walking en masse throughout October.
San Ramon in Novato Walking School Bus prepares to leave for school
In Novato, San Ramon School had their walk to school day on Friday October 7th. Here is a video.
Kentfield School District's new Neighborhood Travel Program is showing incredible results. The carlines in the morning are showing a marked decrease and the bike racks are full. Find out more at the SR2S Kentield web page or the Bacich web site.
Caltrans Grant Awards
Caltrans has announced the Cycle 3 grant awards for Safe Routes to Schools Funding. San Anselmo received $619,000 to improve various routes to schools with schools with more sidewalks and intersection improvements. San Rafael was awarded $565,000 to improve access to Davidson Middle School.
Tam Valley Sidewalk Dedication
L-R Janet Miller (School Board); Judy Sherman (School Boards): Paul Johnson: Supervisor Kate Sears: Raoul Wertz (School Board Presidents): Tam Valley Principal Gail Van Adelsbert Photo by Ofelia Guner
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held October 12 celebrating the completion of construction for the Marin Avenue/Bell Lane Walkway Improvement project. The project provided an accessible sidewalk from Green Glen Way along Marin Avenue to Tamalpais Valley Elementary School on Bell Lane, including new curb ramps and crosswalk striping.
Crossing Guard a Hero
Tam Valley got a real gem when Jeff James showed up as a substitute for their regular crossing guard. Jeff risked his own life when he dove in front of a car to prevent it from hitting a child who darted out into the street. Jeff, who suffers from a bad back, didn't think twice. "You would have done the same thing," he told parents nearby. Read the whole article at the Novato Patch
Novato Principal Wins Governor's Fitness Award
Loma Verde Principal, Eileen Smith in Novato, has earned $1,000 for her school by being given a bronze medal from the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports. Mrs. Smith was nominated by Safe Routes to Schools in honor of all her work in promoting walking and biking to school as well as other fitness activities. Find out more at the Novato Patch.
The Green Ways to School and SchoolPool Marin programs from TAM's Safe Routes to Schools are supported by additional funding from a $175,000 grant from the Marin Community Foundation's Climate Change Initiative and through a partnership with the Marin County Office of Education.