Participation

School Participation 

Introduction

Each year, the City of Bloomington works closely with one school to develop a customized Safe Routes to School Plan. This Planning Year School receives enhanced support to help build and sustain a culture of safe walking, biking, rolling, and transit use.

Schools that are not participating in the planning process can still get involved as Partner Schools. Partner Schools have access to Safe Routes to School resources, event materials, curriculum, technical assistance, and other tools that help support active and safe transportation for students.

Active Year Planning Schools

Each year, the City works closely with one school to develop a customized Safe Routes to School Plan. This school receives the highest level of support, including planning assistance, engagement, event support, and implementation resources.

Active Planning School support may include:

• A customized Safe Routes to School Plan
• Parent and student surveys
• Student travel tallies
• Walkshed and route analysis
• Review of arrival and dismissal conditions
• Identification of infrastructure needs
• Steering committee meetings
• Support for Walk, Bike, and Roll to School events
• Staff support at selected school events
• Swag, incentives, and encouragement materials as available
• Classroom lessons or trainings as staff capacity allows
• School-specific communications support
• Walking school bus or bike bus planning support
• Continuation planning so the school can maintain activities after the planning year

Learn More About Planning Year School Expectations and Deliverables

Partner Schools

Partner Schools may access:

• Safe Routes to School curriculum materials
• Caregiver guides and take-home resources
• Event planning guides
• Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day materials
• Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day materials
• Bike and Roll to School Day materials
• Newsletter blurbs and social media graphics
• Printable posters and flyers
• Walking school bus and bike bus startup resources
• Optional technical assistance by request
• Access to the Safe Routes to School lending library
• Access to the Safe Routes to School book library
• Inclusion in citywide press releases and public communications when participating in shared events

Partner Schools are encouraged to take part in citywide Safe Routes to School events, use the curriculum, share caregiver materials, and start small activities that fit their school community.

Shared Citywide Support

The City may provide shared support for Safe Routes to School activities across Bloomington, including:

• Citywide promotion of Walk, Bike, and Roll events
• Press releases and social media posts
• Shared graphics and templates
• Recognition of participating schools
• General Safe Routes to School resources

Get Involved

Schools interested in participating can start by choosing one or two activities that fit their capacity. Good first steps include sharing caregiver materials, promoting Walk and Roll to School Day, borrowing materials from the lending library, using one classroom lesson, or identifying a school champion.

Schools that want more support can contact the City to discuss available resources, technical assistance, and future planning opportunities. Email us at [email protected].