Safe Routes to School is a movement involving every organizational level, from the federal government to the cul-de-sac, to get more kids to school safely by walking, biking, or rolling.

In 1969, 87% of kids within a mile of school got there by walking or biking. Now that number is 15%. Personal car use now makes up about 80% of the trips to our schools. Our increasing reliance on car trips to and from school has made life in our neighborhoods worse off in many ways: our streets are less safe, more congested and more stressful than ever. In response, hundreds of cities across Colorado and the US have adopted Safe Routes to School programs to keep kids and their communities safe and active. To date, over 8 million kids nationwide have benefited from Safe Routes to School programs. It’s time for Centennial kids to join in.

In 2004, Colorado became the first state in the country to create a statewide Safe Routes to School program. Since then the state has awarded over $48 million to efforts in cities and school districts to get kids to school actively and safely. Centennial has never been awarded a Safe Routes to School grant.

But, with our ordinance, Centennial can become the first city in the state to pass a voter-mandated safe routes to school program and keep it funded for generations to come, making our communities safer, healthier, more connected, and lively in so many ways. When we prioritize safe routes for kids, everyone wins!