The following sample process outlines one method that may be used to start an SRTS project. Following the sample process should ensure that the types of information that will be required on the SRTS Application Form have been obtained and that important groups have been included in the planning process.
SAMPLE PROCESS
The first step in initiating a SRTS project is to conduct a neighborhood SRTS assessment. This preliminary assessment targets the area within two miles of an elementary or middle school and concentrates on conflict points where drivers and walkers/bicyclists interact. It may determine whether or not sidewalks, suitable cross-walk markings, and signs are present, or it may conclude that crossing guards are needed or that school children simply haven’t been trained to walk or bicycle safely. Students, parents, school staff, and local law enforcement may be contacted for input in this initial effort.
If the initial assessment indicates that improvements are needed, a Community SRTS Work Team should be created. This larger Work Team may contain the same personnel listed previously plus representatives from the local bicycle club, the American Heart Association, the PTA, the city traffic engineer, local businesspersons, civic leaders, and other community stakeholders with an interest in pedestrian and bicycle safety. The Work Team should start its work by conducting surveys of students, parents, and school staff to determine the number of students walking or bicycling to school and to document situations that could be improved to promote feelings of safety toward walking and bicycling. This information is important as baseline data and will be used in the SRTS Application. Links to two useful surveys – the Parent Survey and the In-Class Tally Sheet – are found on this website. Applicants are strongly advised to use these two surveys because data from them is requested on the application.
Next, the Work Team should study street maps of the impacted area. The addresses of current students who walk and potential walking students may be plotted on maps. Streets with a high concentration of walkers or potential walkers should be highlighted and scheduled for walking/windshield audits (a link to a sample audit form is contained on this website). These safety audits will highlight highway safety obstacles as well as issues that are deemed as impediments to walking and biking to school. Appropriate subject matter experts such as traffic engineers and law enforcement officers should be included in conducting these audits. The Alabama Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ALSITE) has volunteered to help the applicants perform surveys near schools and to help them obtain and interpret data such as traffic volumes and crash history for use in their applications. An ALSITE contact is found on this website.
The Work Team may work with city officials or local law enforcement to determine if crashes involving school-bound pedestrians or bicyclists have occurred in the area. Crash data may be helpful in this effort, and the data could provide excellent corroboration that improvements are needed near that school.
The Work Team analyzes the results of the investigations and surveys to determine if the situation fits SRTS requirements. It puts together a priority list of potential improvements and identifies the personnel, time, and funds needed to implement those improvements. If infrastructure improvements are identified, the Work Team may decide to submit an SRTS Infrastructure Application. When an Infrastructure Application is made, the Work Team may also propose a Non-infrastructure program that would complement the infrastructure improvements (education, training, or enforcement to go along with the physical improvements).
Communities may submit a Non-infrastructure proposal even if they do not submit an Infrastructure proposal. That is, they may request help with outreach, education, or training to promote walking or bicycling to school even if they do not request physical improvements.
