Mayor Kerry Thomson

Page last updated on April 30, 2026 at 11:45 am

What is Bloomington's Safe Routes to School Program

Bloomington's Safe Routes to School program helps children get to school safely, confidently, and actively by bus, walking, biking, or rolling alone or with friends, siblings, and trusted adults. When kids have safe and active routes to school, they get more physical activity,  build independence, have fun, and arrive at school ready to learn. The program brings together schools, families, and the city to make everyday trips to school safer and more fun through programs, projects, and policies including: 

  • Teaching kids age-appropriate walking and biking skills
  • Hosting fun low-pressure events that let families try active routes to school together
  • Skills and confidence building for kids
  • Group travel options like walking school buses and bike busses
  • Events and encouragement that make getting to school fun
  • Opportunities for play, engagement, and community building 
  • Short and long term plans for safer streets, trails, and paths using safety countermeasures

 

The Safe routes to school program can result in real infrastructure, programming, and educational outcomes for schools and their students. The program will connect the City of Bloomington with a new school each year, setting up a program each school can maintain moving forward. 

Why Safe Routes to School

A generation ago, walking or biking to school was normal. In 1969, nearly half of all U.S. children walked or biked to school. Today, fewer than 15% do. The change has meant less activity for kids and more cars on the road. Driving children to school now makes up as much as 14% of morning traffic. The City’s Safe Routes to School program intends to reverse this trend and support several benefits: 

  • Active Kids: Walking, biking, or rolling to school builds daily physical activity into kids’ routines, supporting physical health, mental well-being, and better focus in the classroom habits that can last a lifetime.
  • Safe Travel Options: Targeted safety improvements to streets, sidewalks, crossings, and trails create safer routes for children while giving families and entire neighbors more comfortable, reliable ways to get around.
  • Healthy Kids: Vehicle idling increases air pollution around schools, exposing children to harmful toxins linked to asthma and other health problems. Because children’s lungs are still developing, reducing idling vehicles helps lower their exposure and supports healthier school environments. 
  • Fun and Engagement: Active routes make the school trip enjoyable giving kids time with friends, opportunities to explore their neighborhood, and a sense of pride and independence.
  • Stronger Neighborhoods: Active transportation brings families into the public realm, reduces traffic near schools, and helps neighbors look out for one another, creating safer, more connected communities.

  • Stronger School Performance: Exercise, like walking to school, has even been proven to help kids concentrate better in school helping schools meet their academic and testing goals. 

     

Stay Engaged 

The City of Bloomington will be completing Safe Routes to School Plans, providing surveys, lessons, and events, and more. There are many opportunities to be engaged with safe routes to school. Together, we are building a future where walking, biking, and rolling are safe, accessible, and joyful options for every student. 

Get Involved (coming soon)

  • Why Safe Routes to School / Our Approach
  • Teacher/Educator Resources (curriculum/activities)
  • Safe Routes to School Idea Book
  • Request Trainings and Speakers
  • Request a Bike Buddy
  • Join a Walking School Bus / Request Walking School Bus Materials / Request Support
  • Join a Bike Bus / Request Bike Bus Materials / Request Support
  • Parents Resources
  • Safe Routes Events Materials
    • Branding
    • Posters
    • School Communications Materials
    • Incentives and rewards
    • Request event support
  • Carpool, Schoolpool, and Transportation Resources
  • Active Transportation Events / Trainings / Opportunities
  • Report a transportation safety concern
  • Other active transportation programs

Planning Projects

Upcoming Plans and Projects: 

  • University Elementary School (Fall 2026)

     

Previous Safe Routes to School Plans: